The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has identified the first confirmed case of monkeypox in Wisconsin. The Department says the resident from Dane County is currently isolating and the risk remains low for the general public. As of June 30, there have been 396 confirmed monkeypox cases in the United States. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ryan Westergaard says it’s likely additional cases will be found in Wisconsin, but the risk of widespread transmission 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.
