First Case of Monkeypox Identified in Grand Traverse County Resident

The Grand Traverse County Health Department is reporting the first case of the Monkeypox virus in a Grand Traverse County resident.

GTCHD says the person is currently isolated and does not pose a risk to the public. Currently, more than have been reported across Michigan, however this is the first case reported in northern Michigan.

Monkeypox spread primarily through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, bodily fluids, or prolonged face-to-face contact. 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.

The 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