Monkeypox

Multiple cases of monkeypox have been reported in several countries that don’t normally report monkeypox, including the United States.

Monkeypox does not spread easily from person to person, and the virus is spreading mostly through close, intimate contact with someone who has monkeypox.

See the latest number of cases in Wisconsin on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website . For case counts nationally, see the CDC’s website .

Monkeypox Vaccine

Vaccine Eligibility (Updated October 5, 2022)

Wisconsin DHS currently recommends vaccination for people who had known exposure to someone with monkeypox and people with certain risk factors who are more likely to be exposed to the virus. This includes:

Known contacts who are identified by public health via case investigation, contact tracing, and risk exposure analysis.
Presumed contacts who may meet the following criteria:
- People who know that a sexual partner in the past 14 days was diagnosed with monkeypox.
People considered to have elevated risk of exposure to monkeypox in the future:
- Gay men, bisexual men, trans men and women, any men who have sex with men, and gender non-conforming/non-binary individuals who:
  - Have recently had multiple or anonymous sex partners. This may include people living with HIV and people who take HIV pre-exposure because of increased risk of sexually transmitted infections.
  - Have new diagnosis of one or more nationally reportable sexually transmitted diseases (for example, acute HIV, chancroid, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis).
People who attended or had sex at an event/venue where monkeypox exposure is a risk.
- Sexual partners of people with the above risks.
- People who anticipate experiencing the above risks.
People in certain occupational exposure groups:
- Clinical and research lab staff who directly handle orthopoxviruses or material that may contain orthopoxviruses.
- Healthcare providers who directly care for patients with sexually transmitted infections.

Vaccine Availability

We are currently offering the JYNNEOS vaccine to individuals 18 & older who live or work in Wisconsin and meet one the following criteria listed above. Please use the link below to schedule an appointment, or call 414-796-2239. Appointments are preferred, walk-ins accepted on Tuesdays and Thursdays (9:00am – 4:00pm).

Click here to schedule an appointment

Monkeypox Testing

If you have symptoms or have been exposed to monkeypox, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to be tested. Healthcare providers can provide testing and care for people who are diagnosed with monkeypox.

Testing Locations in Milwaukee County

General Monkeypox Information

Monkeypox is a disease caused by a virus (monkeypox virus). Monkeypox can cause a rash which may look like pimples or blisters, sometimes with a flu-like illness. While public health officials work to contain the current outbreak, it is important that you to have information so you can make informed choices when you are in spaces or situations where monkeypox could be spread.

Learn more about how monkeypox is spread, the symptoms, treatment options, and prevention here.

If you were exposed to monkeypox, monitor for signs and symptoms for 21 days. For more information and a symptoms monitoring sheet, visit here.

For information on cleaning and disinfecting areas that may be infected with monkeypox virus, visit here.

Other Helpful Resources