First case of monkeypox in Milwaukee resident
A news release says on Saturday, July 9, a case of monkeypox was identified in a Milwaukee resident. The Milwaukee Health Department is in contact with the individual, who is currently isolating and following all recommended guidance, and notified all close contacts. This is the second case of monkeypox confirmed in a Wisconsin resident, as identified by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Health Department announced on Monday, July 11 Milwaukee’s first case of monkeypox.
A news release says on Saturday, July 9, a case of monkeypox was identified in a Milwaukee resident. The Milwaukee Health Department is in contact with the individual, who is currently isolating and following all recommended guidance, and notified all close contacts. This is the second case of monkeypox confirmed in a Wisconsin resident, as identified by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
While risk to the public remains low at this time, individuals should be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms. In cases identified within this current outbreak in the U.S., monkeypox is characterized by new, unexplained rashes and skin lesions. 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. Other early symptoms of monkeypox include fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes.
Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact. Currently, the disease is primarily spread through direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox. Additionally, touching objects, fabrics, and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox or close contact with respiratory secretions can transmit the disease. This contact can happen during intimate contact including oral, anal, and vaginal sex or touching the genitals or anus of a person with monkeypox.
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To prevent the spread of monkeypox, health officials offer the following recommendations:
- Avoid close, skin to skin contact with the monkeypox rash, including refraining from touching the rash or scabs of person with monkeypox and avoiding kissing, hugging, cuddling or having sex with someone with monkeypox.
- If exposed to monkeypox, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible and let them know you have symptoms or have been exposed to monkeypox. Healthcare providers can provide testing and care for people who are diagnosed with monkeypox. Monitor for fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes and a new, unexplained rash, and contact a health care provider if any of those occur. If you do not have a healthcare provider, contact your local health department for guidance.
- If sick with monkeypox, isolate at home until rash has fully resolved, the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed.
Learn more information about monkeypox when you visit the Milwaukee Health Department website.
This is a developing story.