The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is working closely with federal, state, and local partners to investigate and monitor the current outbreak of monkeypox. DHS is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date data to the public.
While the overall risk to the public remains low, DHS encourages everyone to take steps to prevent the spread of monkeypox. If you think you have been exposed to monkeypox, contact a doctor or other health care provider immediately: ask about testing and stay home if you have symptoms. A safe and effective vaccine that protects against monkeypox is also available to eligible people in Wisconsin.
Learn if you are eligible for the monkeypox vaccine and where you can make an appointment.
National data
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports data on the ongoing monkeypox outbreak in the United States. While monkeypox continues to primarily affect gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, there has been in increase in new monkeypox cases in other populations. In the current outbreak, monkeypox is spreading primarily through close intimate contact, including during sex. Like any communicable disease, someone may have a higher risk of getting sick because they belong to a social or sexual network that includes other people who have the infection.
Wisconsin data
| County | Monkeypox Cases |
|---|---|
| Brown | 3 |
| Columbia | 1 |
| Dane | 15 |
| Dunn | 1 |
| Kenosha | 3 |
| La Crosse | 1 |
| Langlade | 1 |
| Milwaukee | 36 |
| Outagamie | 7 |
| Ozaukee | 2 |
| Saint Croix | 1 |
| Walworth | 1 |
| Waukesha | 1 |
| Winnebago | 2 |
| Total | 75 |
*Reported data comes for the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS). Data will be updated every Wednesday.
Monkeypox Virus Surveillance and Vaccine Report
The first case of monkeypox in a Wisconsin resident was reported on June 30, 2022. Find more information about how monkeypox is impacting Wisconsinites in the Monkeypox Virus Surveillance and Vaccine Report, P-03313. This report highlights Wisconsin case demographics, hospitalizations, and vaccine allocation and administration efforts. The report will be updated monthly.
Health equity and monkeypox
Many social and economic factors are contributing to communities of color being disproportionately affected by monkeypox. Consistent with trends being observed in Wisconsin, non-Hispanic Black men and Latino or Hispanic men represent the largest proportion of monkeypox cases nationwide despite making up only 34% of the U.S. population. Vaccination rates for monkeypox in Wisconsin are also significantly lower in people who reported their race as being non-White.
Slowing the spread of monkeypox among marginalized groups at the highest risk of infection requires multiple public health strategies. To reach those being most affected, DHS is taking the following steps:
- Working with trusted health care providers and community-based organizations to help identify and remove barriers to getting vaccinated.
- Prioritizing vaccine for organizations that serve those at the highest risk for monkeypox.
- Increasing the network of monkeypox vaccinators throughout the state.
- Developing toolkits and other communication materials to help partners share information about monkeypox.
DHS encourages all partners to expand their outreach efforts to communities who are being most affected.
