The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is monitoring an uptick in mpox cases detected in the state since the start of 2026.
Public health officials said in a news release that mpox has continued to circulate at low levels since 2022, but there has been a rise in cases across the country in recent weeks.
Five cases have been confirmed in Wisconsin among 535 cases reported nationwide since the start of the year. The number of mpox infections statewide is already approaching totals from previous years: six in 2025, seven in 2024 and eight in 2023.
Mpox cases peaked in Wisconsin at 87 cases in 2022, the start of the national outbreak.
What is mpox?
Mpox is an uncommon but serious viral infection spread through close contact with infected persons or items for long periods of time.
Symptoms usually arise with abnormal skin lesions, fever, swollen lymph nodes, aches and/or chills. The rash lesions usually develop one to three days after a fever, but not in all cases.
How does mpox spread between people?
The most common transmission happens through intimate contact, face-to-face contact for long periods of time, sustained skin-to-skin contact and contact with items contaminated by lesion fluids.
General public risk for transmission is low. There are vaccinations available for those more vulnerable to transmission. Health care providers may recommend vaccinations if they belong to the following populations.
In general, knowledge on mpox symptoms and honest conversations with sexual partners about transmission can help prevent mpox from spreading, public health officials said. 211Wisconsin.org offers free, confidential support finding health care or community resources.
Most people infected with mpox can recover in two to four weeks with access to antiviral medications.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know as Wisconsin health officials report first mpox cases of 2026
Reporting by Caden Perry, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
