Mpox Case Reported in Wayne County: What You Need to Know About This Infection

Attention residents of Wayne County! A case of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has been reported in our area, eliciting local and state health officials’ concern as well as the attention of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC is going all out to establish whether this case of infection comes from the Clade 1 variant of the virus, which is suspected to cause more severe illness and have a higher mortality rate than the Clade 2 strain that instigated international outbreaks in 2022.

Testing is presently underway to confirm whether the affected person carries the Clade 1 or Clade 2 form of the virus. Adding to the trepidation is the existence of a newer variant of Clade 1, known as Clade 1b, which appears to be more transmittable and has started spreading to countries outside the Democratic Republic of Congo. This alarming situation has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a public health emergency of international concern.

Speaking of the local case in our area, initial assessments point towards the person possibly having Clade 2, the same clade responsible for the ongoing U.S. mpox outbreak since 2022. While specifying that we might have a case of Clade 2, officials also reassured the public that the infected individual is an adult, currently recovering, and following all necessary precautions.

But, what exactly is this mpox virus that we’re talking about?

Initially identified as monkeypox, the first human case was reported in 1970. Falling under the category of an orthopoxvirus, mpox is associated with smallpox, known to spread among rodents, squirrels, and monkeys, and can also leap from infected animals to people or from person to person. It exhibits two types: Clade 1 and Clade 2.

In terms of danger, Clade 1 is considered the deadlier type with high mortality rates. On the other hand, Clade 2 presents a less severe disease and a lower mortality rate. About 19 confirmed or probable cases of both types have been reported in Michigan in 2024 so far, according to local officials. However, none of these identified cases carry the more severe Clade 1 form.

So, how can you identify if you’re infected with mpox? The symptoms! It may take up to 21 days post-infection for symptoms to make an appearance. Symptoms may begin like a typical flu, with chills, exhaustion, headache, backache, and muscle aches. Following that, a rash with flat sores may develop over one to three days. These fluid-filled blisters can be painful or itchy and, over time, scab over before they fall off.

The most important question now is, how can you protect yourself from this viral infection? For starters, follow all necessary precautions against direct contact with infected wild animals, as well as close physical contact with an infected human being, as detailed by the CDC. You should also consider getting vaccinated with Jynneos, a vaccine authorized by the FDA to prevent smallpox and mpox.

If you notice rash-like symptoms or desire to get vaccinated, immediately contact health officials or head to the Wayne Health Center at 33030 Van Born Road in Wayne for an evaluation. The clinic also provides free vaccination services.