Contacts:     Raj Bharwani, Representative Sensenbrenner, (202) 225-5101
                         Lynn Becker, Senator Kohl, (202) 224-5653
                        Ari Geller, Senator Feingold, (202) 224-5323
                        Tom Powell-Bullock, Representative Obey, (202) 225-3365
                        Niel Wright, Representative Petri, (202) 225-2476
                        Phillip Walzak, Representative Kleczka, (202) 225-4572
                        Scot Ross, Representative Kind, (202) 225-5506
                        Chris Tuttle, Representative Green, (202) 225-5665
                        Kate Dwyer, Representative Ryan, (202) 225-3031
                        Mark Webster, Representative Baldwin, (608) 258-9800

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- US Representatives F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-Menomonee Falls), Dave Obey (D-Wausau), Tom Petri (R-Fond du Lac), Jerry Kleczka (D-Milwaukee), Ron Kind (D-La Crosse), Mark Green (R-Green Bay), Paul Ryan (R-Janesville), Tammy Baldwin (D-Madison), and Senators Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) and Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) sent a letter today to Tommy Thompson, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), relative to the recent monkeypox outbreak that originated in Wisconsin.  The letter, a copy of which is enclosed below, commends Secretary Thompson’s quick decision to place an embargo on the importation of rodents from Africa that are capable of spreading the monkeypox virus.  It also requests a briefing for the Members’ staff by HHS and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) experts, to discuss the Wisconsin delegation’s concerns about the monkeypox outbreak, and the federal government’s continued approach toward this problem.

Since the first monkeypox case during this outbreak was identified in Wisconsin, close to a hundred possible human cases in four states are being investigated, with some initial reports raising the possibility that monkeypox may be spread from person to person.  Although there are no confirmed cases of person to person transfers at this time, serious safety concerns have been raised for the health professionals who treat these infected patients.  In addition, given the limited information available, the delegation has questions about the use of the smallpox vaccine as the recommended treatment for monkeypox.

The briefing is expected to provide more details about the CDC’s ongoing efforts to help state and local health departments in Wisconsin, and other states, investigate and treat the cases of monkeypox.

“I would like to praise Secretary Thompson in his handling of this outbreak thus far,” Sensenbrenner said.  “This is a unique problem for Wisconsin, and the Department of Health and Human Services’ reaction has been swift.  At the staff briefing, I expect the Department to provide more information on how it plans to protect the public’s safety while considering the concerns of legitimate small business owners who make a living dealing with exotic animals.”

“It's alarming when a virus emerges that leaves so many questions in its wake.  The well-being of the patients who have contracted monkeypox, as well as the health care professionals who treat them, is paramount.  We appreciate the CDC's efforts to confine and treat the outbreak, and we are interested in continuing a coordinated response,” Kohl said.

“I look forward to working with the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and the rest of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation to further understand the current safety concerns facing Wisconsin from the monkeypox outbreak,” Feingold said. 
“I've been told that there have been more cases of monkeypox in the U.S. than there have been of SARS here,” said Petri.  “We have to respond quickly to exotic diseases before they get a solid foothold in this country, and I'm pleased that Secretary Thompson understands this.”

“The appearance of monkeypox in Wisconsin is a most serious health issue,” said Kleczka.  “We need to be briefed by key health officials on what immediate actions are being taken to respond to this outbreak, and what preventative measures have been implemented to ensure that our citizens remain safe and healthy.”

“Wisconsin agriculture and public health officials have been on the frontlines in dealing with the growing threat of monkeypox, a virus never before seen on this continent.  I am concerned there is no readily-effective treatment for monkeypox and will continue to work both in Congress and with Secretary Thompson to ensure our citizens are safe,” said Kind.

“The more we can learn about controlling and preventing outbreaks like this, the better,” Ryan said. “Monkeypox and similar viruses are no longer illnesses that only strike far from home.  Clearly they have the potential to pose a health risk, hurt our economy, and cause anxiety here in Wisconsin.  So we need to get as much information as possible from the CDC.”

“Protecting the health of those we represent is our top priority,” noted Baldwin.  “Democrats and Republicans in the Wisconsin delegation are committed to working with Sec. Thompson to address this problem,” she added.

Text of Letter to Secretary Tommy Thompson:

The Honorable Tommy Thompson
Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC  20201

Dear Secretary Thompson:

We are writing to request a staff briefing from the Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) experts to discuss our concerns regarding the recent monkeypox outbreak.  As you are aware, this outbreak originated in Wisconsin, and we have heard from many concerned Wisconsinites throughout the state. 

There are a number of questions and concerns regarding the dangers of this virus that we would like to discuss.  Reports indicate that monkeypox may be spread from person to person.  Although there are no confirmed cases at this time, it is a serious safety concern for the health professionals in our state treating patients infected with monkeypox.  We would like to know whether the CDC believes that the current recommended approach to treating this virus is adequate, and whether there are plans to alter the approach. 

In addition, according to reports, there is no proven, safe treatment for monkeypox at this time.  Yet a smallpox vaccination is the recommended treatment for persons investigating monkeypox outbreaks and involved in caring for infected individuals or animals.  We are also concerned that there is limited information available on the efficacy of using the smallpox vaccination to prevent the spread of monkeypox.  In short, it is apparent that this virus has become an even more serious public concern than first believed. 

We applaud your quick decision to place an embargo on the importation of rodents from Africa capable of spreading the monkeypox virus, such as the Gambian Pouched rat.  This is clearly a prudent measure in the short-term.  What is needed now is a long-term solution that takes into account the impacts on small business owners involved in the sale of exotic pets.  Some small business owners have already experienced a slowdown in business due to well-founded public safety concerns.  It is imperative to make safety our first concern, but, at the same time, the federal government must be careful to protect legitimate small business owners.

In addition to our above concerns, we would also like to learn about the CDC’s efforts to help state and local health departments in Wisconsin investigate and treat possible cases of monkeypox.  Due to the serious nature of this outbreak, we would like our staffs to meet with representatives from the CDC expeditiously.  Please direct the appropriate personnel to contact Rick Podliska, in Congressman Sensenbrenner’s office, at (202) 225-5101 to schedule this briefing.  We look forward your response.