MENASHA (NBC 26) — A case of monkeypox has been detected in a Menasha resident, according to the city's health department.
On July 25, a case of orthopoxvirus, presumed to be monkeypox, was identified in a City of Menasha resident. The patient is currently isolated, the health department said. The Menasha Health Department is working with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) to identify and notify all close contacts.
According to a news release from the health department as of July 26, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 3,591 confirmed cases of monkeypox and orthopoxvirus in the United States.
As of July 26, 12 cases of monkeypox have been identified in Wisconsin. While the number of monkeypox cases is increasing nationwide, the current risk of getting monkeypox remains very low for the general public.
“We want residents to know that the risk of monkeypox spreading widely throughout the community is very low. This disease does not spread easily from person to person,” said Kristine Hutter, Menasha Public Health Officer/Director. “However, because anyone can get and spread monkeypox, all residents should be aware of the symptoms. Anyone who develops a new or unexplained rash should contact a doctor as soon as possible.”
Monkeypox is a disease that is typically characterized by a new, unexplained rash and skin lesions. The Wisconsin Department of Health Serviceshas more information on monkeypox.
