What to Know About Monkeypox in Detroit
How to get the Monkeypox vaccine in Detroit
At Plum Health, we've had a lot of questions about Monkeypox from our patients and from the community.
If you are at a higher risk or in a higher risk group, please reach out to the City of Detroit Health Department or the Wayne County Health Department. or the Oakland County Health Department to get the two dose Monkeypox vaccine series.
We've had a few of our patients with potential exposures/higher risk get the vaccine via the Detroit Health Department. Usually, there's a pre-vaccination phone call and then they will schedule you for the two dose series. Here’s the contact info for the Detroit Health Department:
Detroit Health Department, 100 Mack Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 | (313) 876-4000
Here’s what the City of Detroit has written on their website:
The City of Detroit has begun providing doses of the Jynneos vaccines to Detroiters who have been exposed to the Monkeypox virus or who suspect they have been exposed, made available through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
Background Information on Monkeypox
Monkeypox was first seen in 1958 in monkeys kept for research.
The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970.
Prior to the 2022 outbreak, monkeypox had been reported in several central and western African countries.
Select cases have also been seen over the years in other countries due to international travel.
Now, in a world already changed by Covid-19 pandemic, we are seeing this worrisome visitor in our backyard. So, it’s best to get to know what monkeypox is, even if it isn’t here to stay.
A person infected with monkeypox will most likely have a mix of some of the following: fever, headache, muscle ache, chills, exhaustion, sore throat, cough, and/or nasal congestion.
Monkeypox also often presents with a rash that may be located on or near the genitals or anus but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth.
This rash can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy. It also goes through several stages, including forming a scab, before ultimately healing.
Monkeypox spreads through close contact and touch. This includes direct contact with a rash, scab, saliva, and/or bodily fluids of someone infected with monkeypox. Touching surfaces, clothes, or any fabrics used by someone with monkeypox can also lead to spread.
Sexual contact with someone who has monkeypox is a major source of spread, and pregnant mothers with monkeypox can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta.
According to the CDC there are no treatments specifically for monkeypox virus 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 virus infections.
Antivirals, such as tecovirimat, may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems.
In Michigan, as of August 4th, there were a total of 71 cases that have been reported. The City of Detroit has had the most outbreaks (19 cases), followed by Oakland County (13 cases) and Macomb County (10 cases). The rest of Wayne County comes in with 9 additional cases.
If you find yourself experiencing any of the symptoms of monkeypox that we have reviewed above, please contact your primary care provider and make an appointment to get tested.
Rest assured that your doctors and healthcare teams across the nation will continue to be diligent as we get more information. Research is ongoing regarding modes of spread and additional treatments. We will continue to serve you with up to date, well-informed guidelines.
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