Health officials cautious about possible monkeypox spread.

Byline: Marilynn Marchione

MILWAUKEE _ Two health workers who cared for patients with monkeypox are now suspected of having it, potentially the first cases in the United States where the virus has spread from person to person.

A boyfriend of one worker also has developed a rash and is being investigated as a possible case.

A Marshfield Clinic medical assistant, who cared for the 3-year-old girl who was the first person in the nation diagnosed with the rare African viral disease, has come down with chills, sweats and fatigue but has shown no signs of rash yet, said dermatologist John Melski.

"It has not been proven to be monkeypox but we obviously are concerned," Melski said. "She had been taking care of the child, held the child and so forth." …