KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department is reporting a probable case of monkeypox virus in Kalamazoo County.
Health officials report that the patient is currently isolating and does not pose a risk to the public. The Kalamazoo County HCS Communicable Disease team is also working to identify and monitor any close contacts for symptoms and say that no additional cases have been identified at this time.
Kalamazoo County HCS has created a webpage for MPV information, including general MPV information, case counts, and vaccine eligibility criteria.
“At this time, the risk of contracting monkeypox remains low in Kalamazoo County,” said Kalamazoo County Health Officer Jim Rutherford. “HCS recommends, however, that Kalamazoo County Residents remain vigilant when it comes to preventing monkeypox. We will continue to work with all of our state and local community partners to keep residents informed of their risk, and the best methods of prevention. If you are concerned about your risk for contracting monkeypox, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor or the health department for information.”
As of Sunday, September 18, 246 confirmed monkeypox cases have been identified in Michigan.
Health officials also reminds residents that risk is low for the general public, but it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of monkeypox, with initial symptoms of MPV to include fever, headache, muscle or back aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.
A rash then appears not long after or along with these symptoms and can look like pimples or blisters that can appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.
The illness typically lasts two to four weeks.
There are no treatments specifically for MPV infections. However, MPV and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, which means that antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat MPV infections.
Most people don’t need a MPV vaccine right now. However, Kalamazoo County HCS is vaccinating eligible persons to prevent monkeypox infection based on specific criteria listed on their webpage.
For more information on MPV in Kalamazoo County, visit: www.kalcounty.com/hcs/monkeypox.php
For information on Monkeypox from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, visit: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/communicablediseases/diseasesandimmunization/mpv
