Currently there are 0 (ZERO) confirmed monkeypox cases in Wood County.

Monkeypox is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus. Common symptoms are similar to smallpox, but milder, and rarely fatal. A person with monkeypox can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. Any person, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can acquire and spread monkeypox.

Common symptoms can include:

• New unexplained rash and skin lesions that can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy
  • May be on face, inside of mouth, hands feet chest, genitals or anus.
• Fever (rash usually develops 1-3 days after fever)
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes

Monitor for symptoms for 21 days after your last exposure. Some individuals may develop a rash without other symptoms. Symptoms usually start 4-14 days after being exposed to the virus.
Monkeypox Signs and Symptoms

How monkeypox is spread

Monkeypox does not spread easily from person to person. Someone must have close, sustained contact with an infected person to become sick which includes:

• Direct contact with the infection rash, scabs, or bodily fluids
• Contact with respiratory droplets during prolonged, face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact
• Contact with objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox
• A pregnant person can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta
• Infected animals by being scratched, or bitten by the animal or eating meat or using products from an infected animal

Prevention of monkeypox

Following the recommended prevention steps can help protect you and your community from monkeypox.

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
• Avoid contact or sharing of objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.
• Contact a health care provider if you think you have been exposed, stay home if you have symptoms and ask about testing.

Monkeypox testing

Testing is available for monkeypox. People who think that have monkeypox or have had close personal contact with someone who has monkeypox should visit a healthcare provider to decide if they need to be tested.

Preventing spread to others

Monkeypox can spead to/from infected humans, animals, and materials contaminated with the virus.

If you have tested positive for monkeypox (or are awaiting test results):

• Stay at home (isolated) while you are sick. Stay home until any rash has fully resolved, scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed.
• Avoid intimate contact (kissing, touching, any kind of sex) and stay away from other people in your home - do not share bathrooms or bedrooms if possible, cover upholstered furniture.
• Wear a well-fitted mask and cover lesions while around others.
• Do not share items, linens, towels, dishes, cups, or eating utensils.
• Disinfect surfaces between each use - including doorknobs, countertops, showers, and toilet seats.
• Contact people you have had close, personal, or intimate contact within the last 21 days so they can monitor for symptoms.

If you have been exposed to someone with monkeypox:

• Monitor for symptoms for 21 days after your last exposure.
• Continue daily activities (work, school, extracurricular activities) if you do not develop any new symptoms.
• If symptoms develop, contact your health care provider and ask about testing.
• Contact your health care provider or complete the Jynneos Vaccine Questionnaire below to determine if you are eligible to receive a vaccine to help prevent the onset of disease or reduce the severity of symptoms.

Preventing Spread to Others (Source: CDC)

Monkeypox vaccination

The CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been in close contact with people who have monkeypox. The current supply of the vaccine is limited. Currently vaccination is prioritized for individuals at high risk. Eligibility for vaccination varies locally, but typically includes groups considered to be at high risk for monkeypox, including:

• People who had been in close physical contact with someone with monkeypox in the past two weeks
• People who had multiple sexual partners in the past two weeks in an area with known monkeypox cases
• People whose jobs may expose them to monkeypox, including some health care workers or public health workers

Monkeypox Vaccine Information and Eligibility Criteria (Source: WI DHS)

If you think you are at-risk and interested in receiving the Jynneos vaccine to protect against monkeypox virus, please complete the questionnaire below to determine your eligibility. Because of limited supply, we cannot guarantee that you will receive the vaccine. If you have trouble completing this form, please call: 715-421-8911.

For more information:
Monkeypox Outbreaks in Wisconsin (Source: WI DHS)
Monkeypox Information (Source: CDC)
Monkeypox in Wisconsin (Source: WI DHS)
Monkeypox-Basic Information (Source: WI DHS)