Another Case of Monkeypox Confirmed in Wisconsin

Tuesday, July 12th, 2022 -- 2:00 PM

On July 9th, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services identified the second confirmed case of orthopoxvirus, presumed to be monkeypox, in a resident of Milwaukee County.

The patient is currently isolating, and DHS is working with federal and local partners to identify people who have been in contact with that person. As of July 8, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 767 confirmed monkeypox and orthopoxvirus cases in the United States.

While the number of confirmed monkeypox cases is growing in the United States, the overall risk to the general public remains low. Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It is typically characterized by a new, unexplained rash and skin lesions.

Other early symptoms of monkeypox include fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes. Recently identified cases have developed skin lesions in the genital, groin, and anal regions that might be confused with rashes caused by common diseases such as herpes and syphilis.

Most people with monkeypox recover in two to four weeks without needing treatment. However, vaccinations and antiviral medications can be used to prevent and treat monkeypox.

People who had known exposure to someone with monkeypox should talk with a doctor or nurse to learn if they are eligible to receive a vaccine. This includes people who were specifically identified as someone who had close or intimate in-person contact with someone with the characteristic monkeypox rash, or someone with a probable or confirmed monkeypox diagnosis.

Studies from previous outbreaks also suggest that smallpox vaccine received decades ago may provide protection from infection or decrease severity of disease. It is important to know that monkeypox does not spread easily from person to person.

The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets, sustained skin-to-skin contact, and contact with items that have been contaminated with the fluids or sores of a person with monkeypox.

While anyone can develop monkeypox infection if they have close contact with someone who is sick, the CDC reports that most cases in the U.S have occurred among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.