First case of monkeypox reported in city of Milwaukee
866 monkeypox cases confirmed in United States as of Monday, July 11, 2022
A case of monkeypox was confirmed in a city of Milwaukee resident on Saturday, July 8, 2022.
The person is in isolation and following recommended guidelines, according to the Milwaukee Health Department.
This is the second case of monkeypox confirmed in a Wisconsin resident, as identified by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
“With the increasing number of cases nationwide, we are not surprised monkeypox has been identified in our city,” said Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson. “While the disease is not easily spread from person to person without direct contact, we anticipate more cases will emerge in the coming weeks. To control the spread, we encourage residents to be aware of the symptoms, follow prevention recommendations, and seek medical attention when needed.”
Health leaders also expect to see more cases in Milwaukee.
“Because we are seeing spots elsewhere in the country, we do anticipate that we will see spread to our region as well,” said Dr. Heather Paradis, Milwaukee Health Department medical director.
Dr. Paradis said the general public does not need to worry because the risk of monkeypox to the general public is and remains very low. She also said the disease is generally transmitted via close/ intimate contact whether it’s skin-to-skin, respiratory droplets and by sharing household items like bedsheets, towels or eating or drinking utensils.
To prevent the spread of monkeypox, individuals should follow 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 health care provider as soon as possible and let them know you have symptoms or have been exposed to monkeypox. Health care 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 health care provider, contact your local health department for guidance.
If sick with monkeypox, isolate at home until the rash has fully resolved, the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed.
As of Monday, July 11, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 866 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.
A case of monkeypox was confirmed in a city of Milwaukee resident on Saturday, July 8, 2022.
