First three cases of 'presumed' monkeypox found in Appleton; health department says there's 'low risk of transmission' for the disease

Rebecca Loroff, Appleton Post-Crescent
·2 min read
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APPLETON - The first three cases of an orthopoxvirus "presumed to be monkeypox" were confirmed in Appleton residents over the last week, according to the Appleton Health Department.

The health department said Monday that the first two cases, found Thursday and Friday, were confirmed. Shortly after that announcement, a third case was confirmed, Appleton Health Officer Dr. Charles Sepers said.

While it's "difficult" to know how the three cases emerged, they're unrelated to each other, Sepers said. He said there was "no indication" that there's widespread transmission in Appleton.

"The most important thing for the public to know (about monkeypox) is that there's a low risk of community transmission," said Sepers.

The Appleton cases are similar to statewide and national patterns of monkeypox spread, Sepers said, adding, "(Monkeypox) is not an STD, but it is transmitting in that way."

Monkeypox spreads by close, sustained contact with an infected person's fluids and lesions, touching items contaminated with those fluids, or respiratory droplets from an infected person.

The most common symptoms are lesions and rashes on the skin in and around the groin and genitals, the health department said. Most people recover within two to four weeks, but antivirals and vaccines are available to treat the disease.

More: World Health Organization chief says monkeypox is now a global emergency

More: US reports first two cases of monkeypox in children, CDC says

Monkeypox is relatively rare in the United States and doesn't spread easily, but a recent outbreak has sickened over 2,000 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To keep the disease from spreading, however, the Wisconsin Department of Health encourages residents to do the following:

  • Know the symptoms. Anyone with a rash that looks like monkeypox should talk to a medical professional about getting tested.

  • Avoid skin-to-skin contact with people having a rash or visible sores, and avoid sharing bedding or eating utensils with someone who has these sores.

  • In places where monkeypox is spreading, know your risk when participating in activities with close, personal, skin-to-skin contact.

  • If you were exposed to the virus, monitor your symptoms for chills, fever, swollen lymph nodes and rashes. Talk to a medical professional about getting vaccinated.

  • If you're sick, contact a health care provider and avoid contact with others until you can start treatment.

Contact Rebecca Loroff at 920-907-7801 or rloroff@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: First three cases of presumed monkeypox found in Appleton