Michigan Has Its First Reported Case of Monkeypox: How To Stay Safe
The Michigan Department of Health announced on Wednesday that they believe they've identified Michigan's first reported case of Monkeypox. The person's identity has not be released, but we do know that they are located in suburban Detroit.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services say that the case was identified in an Oakland County resident. They are currently isolating, and they believe that they do not pose a risk to the public at this time.
What is Monkeypox?
According to the CDC, Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection. The Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox, and the symptoms are similar to smallpox, but milder; and it is rarely fatal. While some folks confuse it, it is not related to the Chickenpox virus.
How do you get Monkeypox?
According to the CDC, You can get Monkeypox by direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids. You can also get it from prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex. You can also get it from touching items (such as clothing or linens) that were previously touched by someone with an infectious rash or body fluids.
The rash and other symptoms associated with the illness go away generally after 2-4 weeks.
What are the symptoms of Monkeypox?
- Fever
- Headache
- Exhaustion
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Muscle and back aches
- A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. note: The rash goes through different stages before healing completely.
How do I protect myself from Monkeypox?
Be safe- if you don't know someone, be weary of that hookup or makeout session. Just like any other STI or STD, safe practices can be the best practices. If you have symptoms, you should make sure to isolate yourself and see a doctor as soon as possible to confirm your infection so that you do not spread it to anyone else. While the virus isn't generally fatal, preventing the spread is extremely important.
It's easy to stay safe and avoid the virus if you know what to look for, and make safe choices. But, it's important to be aware it's here- be careful!