Key points

• Wayne County has reported its first mpox case since the 2022 global outbreak.
• This is the 19th case in Michigan in 2024.Mpox is a viral illness spread through close personal contact or respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact.
• Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and a rash resembling blisters.
• Health officials assure the public that the risk remains low but urge those at risk to get vaccinated.
• Free vaccinations and low-cost testing are available through Wayne County Public Health

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that spreads through close personal contact with an infected individual’s rash, scabs, or bodily fluids. It can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact. The virus causes symptoms like fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and respiratory issues, followed by the appearance of a rash that looks like blisters or pimples.

In this latest case, officials have stressed that the risk to the general public remains low. They recommend that anyone who is at higher risk for contracting the virus should get vaccinated. Vaccination is especially important for people who may have been exposed to the virus or are considered at higher risk of exposure.

The county health department is urging those who have received only one dose of the vaccine to get the second dose as soon as possible for full protection. The mpox vaccine requires two doses, spaced four weeks apart, for complete effectiveness. The vaccine is available for free at Wayne County Public Health clinics, and testing services are provided at little to no cost.

While mpox does not spread easily between people, Wayne County officials continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further spread. They are working to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and proper precautions to limit transmission.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about mpox, especially those in at-risk groups. The public health department remains committed to keeping the community safe through accessible testing and vaccination options.

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Key points

• Different Strain: The 2024 mpox variant is a different strain than the one that circulated in 2022-2023.
• More Severe Symptoms: This new strain is associated with more severe symptoms, including higher fever, more extensive rashes, and potentially more serious complications.
• Faster Spread: The new variant may spread more quickly than the previous one, making it easier for people to become infected.
• Higher Risk Groups: Certain groups of people, such as children and pregnant women, may be at a higher risk of severe illness from the new variant.
• Vaccination and Prevention: While the smallpox vaccine is still effective against mpox, it’s important to stay up-to-date on vaccination recommendations and to practice good hygiene to prevent infection.

One of the most significant differences is the severity of symptoms. People infected with the new variant are more likely to experience higher fevers, more extensive rashes, and potentially more serious complications. This is in contrast to the milder symptoms often seen with the previous strain.

Another concern is the potential for faster spread. The new variant may be more contagious than the old one, making it easier for people to become infected. This could lead to larger outbreaks and a more widespread distribution of the virus.

Certain groups of people may be at a higher risk of severe illness from the new variant. Children and pregnant women, for example, may be more susceptible to complications. It’s important for these individuals to be aware of the risks and to take steps to protect themselves.

While the smallpox vaccine is still effective against mpox, it’s important to stay up-to-date on vaccination recommendations. Additionally, practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding close contact with sick people, can help prevent infection.  

As scientists continue to learn more about the new mpox variant, it’s essential to stay informed and follow the guidance of public health officials. By understanding the risks and taking appropriate precautions, we can help protect ourselves and our communities from this infectious disease.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for any questions or concerns about mpox.

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Key points

• The Philippines confirmed its first mpox case of 2024, involving a 33-year-old man with no travel history.
• The patient exhibited fever and rashes, typical symptoms of mpox.
• The virus is under investigation to determine if it is the new, deadlier Clade 1 strain spreading in Africa.
• Mpox spreads through close contact and can be dangerous to vulnerable groups.
• The WHO declared mpox a global health emergency, with over 17,000 cases and 500 deaths reported worldwide this year.

The Philippines has reported its first mpox case this year, just days after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus a global health emergency. The patient, a 33-year-old Filipino man, showed symptoms more than a week ago, despite having no recent travel history outside the country. His condition has raised concerns about the virus’s potential spread within the Philippines.

The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed that the man began experiencing fever over a week ago, followed by a distinct rash on his face, back, and other parts of his body, including the palms and soles of his feet. The rash is a common symptom of mpox, a virus related to smallpox but generally causing milder symptoms.

The health department announced that this is the country’s 10th confirmed case since the mpox virus was first detected in the Philippines in July 2022. All previous patients have recovered, and there have been no fatalities reported from the virus in the country.

“We are awaiting the sequencing results to determine which strain of mpox is responsible for this case,” said DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo. The concern is whether this case involves the new, deadlier variant of mpox (Clade 1), which has emerged in recent outbreaks, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The WHO has declared mpox a global health emergency after a resurgence of the virus in Africa led to outbreaks in several countries. This declaration came in response to the rising number of cases in the DRC, where the virus has infected thousands and led to over 500 deaths this year alone. Clade 1, the newer strain, has spread more rapidly and with a higher fatality rate compared to the previous variant, Clade 2b, which caused global outbreaks in 2022.

Health officials emphasize that the public should remain vigilant, though the risk to the general population is still considered low. Mpox primarily spreads through close contact with infected individuals, and the patient’s lack of travel history suggests the virus could already be circulating within the country.

Mpox typically causes flu-like symptoms, such as fever and body aches, followed by the development of painful, pus-filled lesions. While the disease is usually mild, it can pose serious risks for vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

The Philippines is ramping up testing efforts and remains in close coordination with the WHO to monitor and contain the virus. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa reassured the public, saying, “Our health system is working, and we will continue to keep the public informed.”

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Key points

• Sweden reports first case of mpox Clade 1 outside Africa
• WHO declares mpox outbreak in Africa a public health emergency
• Clade 1 strain associated with more severe symptoms and higher mortality
• Patient infected during travel to affected area in Africa
• DRC reports over 15,000 potential cases and 548 deaths in 2024
• Experts warn of potential for more imported cases in Europe
• Vaccines available but concerns about supply and distribution
• Swift international action needed to contain the outbreak

The patient, who visited an African area suffering from a major outbreak of mpox Clade 1, sought treatment in Stockholm. The Clade 1 variant is known to be much worse than the Clade 2 version that caused global panic in 2022.

A close contact viral infection, mpox spreads through sexual activity, skin-to-skin touch and even speaking or breathing near someone infected. It causes flu-like symptoms and painful skin rashes. In severe cases it can be fatal with about four deaths per one hundred cases.

The clade-1 strain particularly this 1b subtype found in the Swedish case shows a more severe course of disease and higher death rate. Since its emergence last September in DRC, it has spread to several African countries including Burundi, Kenya and Rwanda.

The Swedish health authorities say that this single case does not increase the risk for the general population; nevertheless, other health organizations like WHO are closely monitoring events. ECDC also outlines that there will probably be new imported cases of Clade 1 mpox reported across Europe during next weeks.

In particular, there has been a severe outbreak in Africa especially DRC. Since January this year until now there have been over fifteen thousand possible cases reported by the Minister of Health DRC with five hundred forty-eight deaths affecting all provinces within the country leading to national strategic vaccination plans and increased disease surveillance at their borders.

Health experts around the world are apprehensive about potential further spread. One instance outside Africa implies that there might be bigger outbreaks than previously anticipated — Dr Jonas Albarnaz (Pirbright Institute). Dr Brian Ferguson (University of Cambridge) calls it a “concerning development,” but he also added that this is not altogether surprising given the seriousness of the outbreak on the continent.

The WHO’s emergency declaration is intended to galvanise increased international support for the affected areas. Although vaccines are available for those at highest risk or in close contact with infected individuals, experts are concerned about insufficient vaccine supplies and funds to reach these high-risk populations.

It should be noted that mortality rates from this strain might be lower in countries with advanced healthcare systems such as Sweden compared to some parts of Africa. However, there remains concern over further spread since currently, there are no effective measures to prevent imported cases.

ECDC points out that 6-13 days after infection symptoms usually start with fever and headache followed by rashes or sores and muscle pain. Most people suffer only mild or moderate illness and recover fully, although those with weaker immune systems are more likely to become seriously ill.

As with previous disease outbreaks, rapid international action will be key in containing the spread of this more dangerous mpox strain. Global health authorities are now ready and warned against any delayed response following an outbreak.

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Mexico and Cuba have reported the deaths of two people who had tested positive to monkeypox, although neither country attributed the fatalities to the viral disease. Τhe reports follow monkeypox related deaths reported in Brazil and Ecuador in the past month, but fatalities remain extremely rare in the current outbreak.

The Pan-American Health Organisation has reported at least 21,200 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the Americas, while more than 80 countries worldwide have reported new cases of the illness, which is endemic in parts of Africa. Mexico’s health ministry on Tuesday said experts were investigating the death of an HIV-positive patient who had died from septic shock and pneumonia after testing positive for monkeypox. Mexico has reported 386 confirmed and 862 probable cases of monkeypox infection.

Cuban authorities said a 50-year-old Italian man died on Sunday after being diagnosed with monkeypox on Saturday. The public health ministry said the tourist, who had arrived on August 15, had been in an unstable condition since Thursday and rapidly deteriorated. The ministry pointed to an autopsy report that reported the cause of death as sepsis linked to pneumonia and organ damage.

The World Health Organisation has warned that people with underlying immune deficiencies could be at risk of more serious symptoms and death after contracting monkeypox. Nearly 45,000 monkeypox infections have been reported worldwide since May.

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Paris: French researchers have documented the first case of a dog with confirmed monkeypox virus infection that might have been acquired through human transmission. Published in medical journal The Lancet, a team from the Sorbonne University in Paris recorded the case of monekypox virus in two men who have sex with men: an HIV-positive Latino man, aged 44 years, living with undetectable viral loads on antiretrovirals; and a HIV-negative white man, aged 27 years.

Twelve days after the onset of monkeypox symptoms, their male Italian greyhound, aged 4 years and with no previous medical disorders, tested positive for the virus. The men, who are non-exclusive partners living in the same household, presented with anal skin ulcer 6 days after sex with other partners.

In the Latino man, anal skin ulcer was followed by rash on the face, ears, and legs, while the white man had it on the legs and back. In both cases, rash was associated with weakness, headaches, and fever 4 days later.The dog, who was co-sleeping with the men, presented with mucocutaneous (involving both typical skin and mucous membrane) lesions, including red, tender bumps with white pus on abdomen and anal skin ulcer.

The team sequenced monkeypox virus DNA from the dog and the Latino man and found that the samples contained virus of the hMPXV-1 clade, lineage B.1, which has been spreading in non-endemic countries since April. “To the best of our knowledge, the kinetics of symptom onset in both patients and, subsequently, in their dog suggest human-to-dog transmission of monkeypox virus,” Sophie Seang,from theA University’s Infectious Diseases Department, along with her team wrote in the paper.

Given the dog’s skin and mucosal lesions as well as the positive monkeypox virus PCR results from anal and oral swabs, we hypothesise a real canine disease, not a simple carriage of the virus by close contact with humans or airborne transmission (or both),” the team added.In endemic countries, only wild animals (rodents and primates) have been found to carry monkeypox virus.

However, transmission of monkeypox virus in prairie dogs has been described in the US and in captive primates in Europe that were in contact with imported infected animals. But infection among domesticated animals, such as dogs and cats, has never been reported, the researchers said, suggesting the need to keep pets away from infected patients.

“Our findings should prompt debate on the need to isolate pets from monkeypox virus-positive individuals,” the team said, calling for further investigation on secondary transmissions via pets.

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The observational study, which has been carried out in three sexual health units in Madrid and Barcelona, ​​determines that almost half of the patients analyzed presented complications that required medical treatment, mainly to reduce the pain associated with proctitis (25 %), tonsillar ulceration (11%) and penile edema (8%).

Three patients even required admission for complications derived from these manifestations. Furthermore, all participants presented skin lesions, in the anogenital or perioral region. Another relevant conclusion of the research points to “skin-to-skin contact” during sexual intercourse as the “dominant factor” in the transmission of monkeypox, over airborne transmission.

On the other hand, they concluded that, given the short incubation period, pre-exposure vaccination of high-risk groups is likely to be more effective than post-exposure vaccination for infection control. Finally, the researchers note that viral loads are “surprisingly” higher in swabs (the samples collected) from skin lesions compared to relatively low levels in pharyngeal swabs.

Therefore, they point out that this fact “must be investigated further to find out if respiratory transmission is viable and consequently guide the decision regarding home respiratory isolation of those affected.” In the evaluation of the 181 confirmed cases used, 175 (98%) were men, 166 of whom were identified as men who have sex with men.

The 12 de Octubre University Hospital, the Germans Trias University Hospital – Fight Against Infections Foundation and the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital collaborated in the study, with the participation of the London School for Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).

Last May, the first autochthonous cases of monkeypox were reported in Europe, giving rise to an international outbreak. Last month, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an international health emergency, its highest level of alert, due to the current outbreak of this disease, which on August 5 already totaled more than 26,000 cases (seven of them fatal) in nearly 90 countries, many of them in Europe, where the disease was not endemic.

The United States remains the country with the most reported cases, with 6,307, followed by Spain (4,577), Germany (2,839), the United Kingdom (2,759) and France (2,239). EFE

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The death occurred on Monday, August 8. Ecuador registered 10 cases of monkeypox virus, the last three were identified in Azuay, Los Ríos and Santa Elena. Ecuador records the death of a patient suffering from monkeypox, however, the disease was not the cause of death, clarified the Ministry of Public Health (MSP).

The death occurred on August 8, as a result of a “pre-existing pathology” of the patient, said Francisco Pérez, Undersecretary of Public Health Surveillance. Pérez explained that so far the country has registered 10 cases of monkeypox, including the deceased patient.

The last three reported cases are people between 20 and 49 years old, who were identified in the provinces of Santa Elena, Los Ríos and Azuay. They are stable in their homes and under surveillance; In addition, the epidemiological fence with his close contacts has been lifted.

The Undersecretary of Public Health Surveillance announced that it is investigating whether there is a relationship between these three cases; If the investigations conclude that there was no relationship, it could be determined that they were community infections, which will be reported at the time, Pérez said. Of the people suffering from the disease, currently four have already come out of isolation, while another five remain isolated.

The Ministry of Health called on citizens to maintain biosafety measures, such as hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol gel. In case of symptoms, it is recommended to wear a mask and see a doctor. Before the death of the person sick with monkeypox was confirmed, the first case of contagion had been confirmed in Santa Elena. Ecuador confirmed the first case on July 6. According to a statement from the Ministry of Public Health, it was a 30-year-old patient who presented symptoms related to that disease.

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A four-year-old from Pforzheim has contracted monkeypox. It is the first case of a child in Germany. When it comes to quarantine, the local health department follows a clear line. There was speculation on the social network Twitter on Saturday, followed by official confirmation on Monday afternoon: a four-year-old girl was infected with monkeypox in Pforzheim. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), this is the first case of monkeypox in a child in Germany.

“The infection was caused by a close contact in the household,” said a spokesman for the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Health. “The child has not developed any symptoms of the disease so far.” The child was therefore examined as a precaution after a case became known in the household. A throat swab then showed that the child was infected.

“Another household member is under health surveillance,” the spokesman continued. There should therefore be no other close contacts of the child who tested positive outside of the household. A total of 127 monkeypox cases had been reported in Baden-Württemberg by Monday afternoon, according to the RKI there are 2,916 nationwide.

Quarantine for those affected and household members

Angelika Edwards says there have already been three cases of monkeypox in Pforzheim. But these were adults, explains the deputy head of the Pforzheim/Enzkreis health department. “Children have really only rarely been affected so far.”

A clear line is being followed during quarantine: three weeks are set for those affected and close household members. In addition, one asks about the beginning of the symptoms and contact persons. As a result, the chances of preventing other people from being infected by the person concerned are very good. In general, however, emphasizes Edwards, further cases of monkeypox can also be expected in Germany. Transmission requires “really close physical contact”, which could also be hugs.

Regardless of this case, the RKI says in its general assessment of monkeypox cases: “According to current knowledge, transmission in this outbreak occurs primarily in the context of sexual activities, currently especially in men who have sexual contact with other men.” There are only seven female cases in Germany.

Two cases in young people from Stuttgart and Erfurt have become known – and now with the case from Pforzheim, for the first time, the case of a child. The RKI recently explained the danger: “As far as is known, most of those affected do not become seriously ill.”

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The Biden administration declared on Thursday monkeypox an emergency in public health as cases continue to increase throughout the US. The announcement was made at an information session by officials from the Department of Health and Human Services. The administration has come under fire in the past for its treatment of the outbreak and some have asked authorities to proclaim an emergency across the country immediately.

Since the very first US monkeypox outbreak was reported in the middle of May, over 6,600 cases, either confirmed or suspected, have been discovered throughout the United States. There have been cases identified across every state, with the exception of Montana in Wyoming and Montana.
The announcement follows an announcement by the World Health Organization announcement last month that monkeypox was an emergency for public health that is of international significance. WHO defines an emergency in public health of international significance, or PHEIC to be “an extraordinary event” that is an “public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease” and “to potentially require a coordinated international response.”

Some states and cities such as New York City, San Francisco, California, Illinois and New York, have already declared monkeypox an emergency situation, which allows them to release funds and resources to fund their response to the outbreak.

On Tuesday the president Joe Biden named Robert Fenton as the White House’s national monkeypox coordinator. Fenton is an area Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator who is responsible for Arizona, California, Hawaii and Nevada is expected to coordinate responses by the Federal government to this outbreak. Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control of the United States and director for the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, serves as the deputy coordinator.

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