Mpox Cluster Confirmed In Wisconsin As U.S. Cases Rise

MADISON, WI — Wisconsin health officials confirmed the state's first mpox cases of 2026, including a cluster of cases in southeastern Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services said Wednesday that five mpox cases have been confirmed in the state this year as of May 26. Cases were recently confirmed in southeastern and northern Wisconsin, according to DHS.

The cases come as infections have increased nationwide in recent weeks, health officials said. As of May 3, 535 mpox cases had been confirmed across the United States, according to DHS.

Mpox has been circulating at low levels since 2022, state health officials said.

"Mpox is not common but can be a serious virus," DHS said in the release.

The virus can spread through intimate, face-to-face contact, including talking or breathing closely for long periods, according to DHS. It can also spread through sustained skin-to-skin contact or contact with items contaminated with fluids or sores from a person with mpox.

DHS is encouraging Wisconsinites to take steps to prevent mpox and to learn more about symptoms, testing, vaccination and other prevention resources.

Residents can learn more from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services here.