The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) notified the Allegan County Health Department (ACHD) that a probable case of Monkeypox virus (MPV) has been identified in an Allegan County resident. More than 200 confirmed and probable MPV cases have been identified statewide, however, this is the first probable case identified in Allegan County.
The individual is currently isolated and does not pose a risk to the public. No further case details will be provided to protect the individual’s privacy. Updated case counts by county in Michigan can be found at www.michigan.gov/mpv.
MPV is a viral illness that spreads primarily through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, bodily fluids, or prolonged face-to-face contact. Infection may begin with flu-like symptoms and swelling of the lymph nodes that progress to a rash on the face and body. Symptoms can also include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.
MPV is contagious from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. Symptoms generally appear within three weeks after exposure and infection, and the rash often lasts two to four weeks. Anyone can contract and spread monkeypox.
If you think you may have MPV, contact your health provider to get tested. If you do not have a health provider, call ACHD at 269-673-5411 for testing options.
To request the monkeypox vaccine you can complete this form or call 269-673-5411. The vaccine will be administered during ACHD business hours on a case-by-case basis, and by appointment only. If you request the vaccine there is no guarantee that you will receive it, but we will do our best to equitably meet the needs of our residents with the vaccines available. Our limited supply of vaccines is being distributed using risk-based criteria and screening eligibility. For more information on MPV visit, www.cdc.gov/monkeypox or www.michigan.gov/mpv.
