MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Department of Health announced Monday that a case of smallpox was identified in a Milwaukee resident on Saturday, July 9th.
This is the first case in the city of Milwaukee and the second confirmed case of smallpox in Wisconsin.
Health officials say the risk to the public remains low at the moment. However, people should be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox and should seek medical attention if they have any.
According to the Milwaukee Department of Health, “monkeypox is characterized by new and unexplained rashes and skin lesions. Recently identified cases have developed skin lesions in the genital, groin, and anal regions that can be confused with rashes caused by common diseases. such as herpes and syphilis.Other early symptoms of monkeypox include fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes. “
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Smallpox smallpox can be spread to anyone through close, personal, and often skin-to-skin contact. It is transmitted mainly by direct contact with rashes, scabs, or body fluids from the smallpox of a person with smallpox.
Health officials say “touching objects, tissues and surfaces that have been used by someone with smallpox or close contact with respiratory secretions can transmit the disease. This contact can happen during intimate contact, including oral, anal and vaginal sex or touching the genitals or anus of a person with monkeypox “.
Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson said that with the increase in the number of cases across the country, it is no surprise that she has been identified in Milwaukee.
“While the disease is not easily transmitted from person to person without direct contact, we anticipate that more cases will emerge in the coming weeks,” Johnson said. “To control the spread, we encourage residents to be aware of the symptoms and follow the prevention recommendations., And seek medical attention when necessary.”
The following are recommendations for preventing the spread of monkeypox, according to the Milwaukee Department of Health:
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with the monkey’s smallpox rash, including refrain from touching the person’s smallpox rash or scabs and avoid kissing, hugging, hugging, or having sex with someone with smallpox.
- If you are exposed to monkeypox, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible and let them know that you have symptoms or that you have been exposed to monkeypox. Healthcare providers can offer tests and care to people diagnosed with monkeypox.
- Watch for fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and a new, unexplained rash, and contact a healthcare provider if any of these occur. If you do not have a health care provider, contact your local health department for guidance.
- If you are sick with smallpox from the monkey, isolate it at home until the rash is completely resolved, the crusts have fallen off and a new layer of intact skin has formed.
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