MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Menasha Health Department has now confirmed its first case of monkeypox in a Menasha citizen.
The case was confirmed Monday, and the city’s health department is working with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to notify any close contacts.
The patient is currently in isolation.
The news comes after Appleton confirmed its third case of monkeypox earlier this week.
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 3,591 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the U.S. Of those identified Tuesday, 12 of those cases were Wisconsin residents.
Despite the increasing cases, officials still say that the risk remains low for the general public.
“We want residents to know that the risk of monkeypox spreading widely throughout the community is very low,” said Kristine Hutter, Menasha Public Health Officer/Director.
Hutter warns, though, that all residents should be aware of symptoms.
Monkeypox is typically characterized by new, unexplained rash and skin lesions in the genital, groin and anal regions, which might be confused with rashes caused by sexually transmitted diseases.
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.
People most at risk for monkeypox include:
- People who had close physical contact with a person who has monkeypox (such as household members or intimate partners).
- People who had close physical contact with a person who had a rash that looks like monkeypox.
- People who attended events or venues where monkeypox transmission has occurred.
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.
To prevent the spread of monkeypox, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) encourages all Wisconsinites to be aware of the following:
- Know the symptoms and risk factors of monkeypox. Anyone with a rash that looks like monkeypox should talk to a doctor or nurse about whether they need to get tested, even if they don’t think they had contact with someone who has monkeypox.
- Avoid skin-to-skin contact with people who are showing a rash or skin sores. Don’t touch the rash or scabs, and don’t kiss, hug, cuddle, have sex or share items such as eating utensils or bedding with someone with monkeypox.
- In jurisdictions with known monkeypox spread, participating in activities with close, personal, skin-to-skin contact may pose a higher risk of exposure.
- If you were recently exposed to the virus, contact a doctor or nurse to talk about whether you need a vaccine to prevent disease. Monitor your health for fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes and a new, unexplained rash. Contact a health care provider if any of those occur. If you become ill, avoid contact with others until you receive health care.
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