As of October 6, 2022, there are 279 cumulative cases of Monkeypox in Michigan, with 21 of those cases being diagnosed in the past 14 days. In the Greater Lansing area, there were 5 reported cases with 0 from the past 14 days. In the Detroit tri-county area of Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland there were 214 reported cases with 19 cases from the past 14 days.
The highest concentration of cases in the state of Michigan is in the Metro Detroit Tri-County Area but there are a number of active cases elsewhere in the state.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services states that the Monkey Pox Virus (MPV) “is contagious when a rash is present and up until scabs have fallen off.” Generally, symptoms appear 1-2 weeks after exposure, and the rash can last for 2-4 weeks.
People experiencing symptoms of MPV should contact their health care provider for evaluation. There is no specific treatment for MPV, however antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox can be used to prevent and treat infections.
The Lansing Area Aids Network can offer medical and financial assistance and resources to those at risk of or already infected with monkeypox. Please reach out if you need assistance. LAAN currently has $500 microgrants available for anyone in our service area with a positive diagnosis.
The State of Michigan has emphasized that while currently this disease has disproportionally impacted Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) anyone can be infected and if you believe you have been exposed, please get tested and isolate yourself.
For more information, visit MDHHS.
