8/10/22 - 1st Monkeypox Case in Muskegon County

The county's first case of Monkeypox has shown up.

Public Health Muskegon County has been notified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that a probable case of Monkeypox virus has been identified in a Muskegon County resident.

More than 70 confirmed and probable cases have been identified statewide, however this is the first probable case identified in Muskegon County.

Public Health investigators will notify close contacts, if necessary. To protect patient privacy, no further case details will be provided.

“The risk to the general public is low,” said Kathy Moore, Health Officer for Muskegon County. “However, residents concerned about monkeypox should talk to their healthcare provider to be evaluated for testing."

There are no treatments specifically for Monkeypox infections. However, Monkeypox 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 Monkeypox infections.