A new case of mpox has been reported in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Health Department announced that a resident has recently tested positive for mpox. This is the first identified case of mpox in Milwaukee since June 2023. The Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) disclosed on Tuesday, Feb. 6 that a Milwaukee resident tested positive for mpox. This marks the first identified case of mpox in Milwaukee since June 2023. Health officials reported that the Milwaukee resident tested positive on Friday, Feb. 2. The MHD is in contact with the individual who is isolating and following all recommended guidance, and has notified all close contacts. A news release stated that from July 2022 to the present, there have been 40 positive cases of mpox in the City of Milwaukee. Before July 2022, Milwaukee did not see any mpox cases for many years. Officials stated that mpox can be contracted through close personal contact with symptomatic individuals. Anyone can spread mpox, regardless of sexual orientation, although current tracking suggests that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men make up a high number of cases. Those at risk include (but are not limited to) men who have sex with men, have more than one sexual partner, and those who have sex with them, regardless of gender. Mpox is characterized by a painful rash or sores resembling pimples or blisters, accompanied by flu-like symptoms. It typically manifests within three weeks of exposure. The contagious period extends from symptom onset until the rash completely heals, scabs fall off, and new skin forms. Recovery generally occurs within two to four weeks. 
(Photo by: NIH-NIAID/IMAGE POINT FR/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) In order to curb the spread of mpox, individuals at risk are advised to: Prioritize receiving the two-dose JYNNEOS mpox vaccine, available at the MHD immunization clinics and other local healthcare facilities. Detailed information on MHD clinic hours, locations, and the CDC’s vaccination locator tool can be found at Milwaukee.gov/mpox. Avoid skin-to-skin contact with mpox rash. Refrain from touching the rash or scabs of an individual with mpox, and abstain from activities such as kissing, hugging, cuddling, or engaging in sexual contact. If exposed to mpox, promptly contact your healthcare provider, informing them of symptoms or exposure. Testing and care options are available for those diagnosed with mpox. If you do not have a healthcare provider, contact your local health department for guidance. For more details on mpox and minimizing infection risks, refer to the MHD mpox website and CDC mpox website. MHD is hosting a free drive-thru mpox vaccination clinic Date: Saturday, Feb. 10Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.Location: Northwest Health Center, 7630 W. Mill Road, MilwaukeeParticipants: Receive a $25 gift card for each mpox vaccine administered at the clinic. COVID-19 and flu vaccines will also be available.
