Mpox: Data
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is working closely with federal, state, and local partners to investigate and monitor the current outbreak of mpox. 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 mpox. If you think you have been exposed to mpox, 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 mpox is also available to eligible people in Wisconsin.
National data
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) reports data on the ongoing mpox outbreak in the United States. While mpox continues to primarily affect gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, there has been in increase in new mpox cases in other populations. In the current outbreak, mpox 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
The case counts below represent the total number of confirmed cases of mpox by county as reported to the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS) since June of 2022. We will update the page as new cases are identified.
| County | Mpox Cases |
|---|---|
| Brown | 4 |
| Columbia | 1 |
| Dane | 19 |
| Door | 1 |
| Dunn | 1 |
| Kenosha | 4 |
| La Crosse | 1 |
| Langlade | 1 |
| Milwaukee | 50 |
| Outagamie | 7 |
| Ozaukee | 2 |
| Racine | 1 |
| Saint Croix | 1 |
| Walworth | 1 |
| Waukesha | 1 |
| Winnebago | 2 |
| Total | 97 |
Mpox Virus Surveillance and Vaccine Report
The first case of mpox in a Wisconsin resident was reported on June 30, 2022. Find more information about how mpox is impacting Wisconsinites in the Mpox Virus Surveillance and Vaccine Report, P-03313 (PDF). This report highlights Wisconsin case demographics, hospitalizations, and vaccine allocation and administration efforts.
Health equity and mpox
Many social and economic factors are contributing to communities of color being disproportionately affected by mpox. Consistent with trends being observed in Wisconsin, non-Hispanic Black men and Latino or Hispanic men represent the largest proportion of mpox cases nationwide despite making up only 34% of the U.S. population. Vaccination rates for mpox in Wisconsin are also significantly lower in people who reported their race as being non-White.
Slowing the spread of mpox 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:
- Ensuring vaccine eligibility is not a barrier to getting vaccinated for key groups.
- 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 mpox.
- Increasing the network of mpox vaccinators throughout the state.
- Developing toolkits and other communication materials to help partners share information about mpox.
DHS encourages all partners to expand their outreach efforts to communities who are being most affected.