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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