Possible Measles Exposures in Wisconsin from Out-of-State Traveler The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), in coordination with the St. Croix County and Rock County Health Departments, is working to identify and notify people who may have been exposed to measles from an out-of-state traveler who visited Wisconsin. These exposures to measles are not related to cases previously confirmed in our state. As of August 19, 2025, nine cases of measles have been confirmed in Wisconsin. The investigation has identified two public locations and times where…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

August 19, 2025

DHS Confirms First Cases of Measles in Wisconsin This Year The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and Oconto County Public Health have confirmed nine cases of measles in Oconto County. One case was confirmed through testing at the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, with eight additional cases confirmed based on exposure and symptoms. All of the cases were exposed to a common source during out-of-state travel. No additional information will be released due to privacy laws. DHS, in coordination with the Oconto County Public Health, is…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

August 1, 2025

New DHS Data Show School Year Vaccination Rates Held Steady for 2024-2025 School Year As parents and caregivers start back-to-school prep, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has released school vaccination data for the 2024-2025 school year, which show 86.4% of students met the minimum immunization requirements, a decrease from the previous school year. Unfamiliarity with a new meningitis vaccination requirement for students in grades 7 to 12 is behind the decrease, it may take some time to increase awareness of the requirement to get all students up to date. When…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

July 30, 2025

First Confirmed West Nile Virus Activity Found in Wisconsin This Year The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has confirmed the first West Nile virus (WNV) activity in the state this year. A human case of WNV illness has been reported in a resident of Barron County, and mosquitos collected from Milwaukee and Lafayette Counties have tested positive for WNV. “The first detections of West Nile virus this year are a reminder to take steps to prevent mosquito bites and possible disease. West Nile virus poses a risk to all Wisconsinites, but people who have…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

July 28, 2025

Federal Budget Reconciliation Bill “Devastating” to Wisconsinites’ Access to Health Care, Food Assistance On Friday, July 4, the president signed the budget reconciliation bill (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act), which will increase red tape for FoodShare and Medicaid members and will force 270,000 Wisconsinites to lose health insurance by taking away necessary support for them to afford health care coverage. Gov. Tony Evers and Wisconsin Department of Health Secretary Kirsten Johnson released the following statements: “Republicans’ vote to cut popular programs like Medicaid will have a devastating…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

July 14, 2025

DHS Celebrates 15th Anniversary of Wisconsin’s Smoke-Free Indoor Air Law Saturday, July 5 marks the 15th anniversary of Wisconsin’s smoke-free indoor air law, and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is celebrating the ways it has protected and improved health of our state’s residents. “Whether working a shift at a local restaurant or heading out with family for a Friday fish fry, Wisconsinites and visitors to our state can rest easy knowing they won’t be exposed to secondhand smoke in public places,” said State Health Officer and Division of Public…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

June 30, 2025

Pregnant Wisconsinites Are Ensured Lifesaving Care The Wisconsin Department of Health Services wants to assure Wisconsinites that – under state and federal laws – hospitals must provide lifesaving care for pregnancies under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), which includes providing abortion care when that is the necessary treatment. This clarification comes following a June 3 statement made by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to rescind July 2022 guidance on enforcing EMTALA as it relates to pregnancy….

(see release)

lucy.pepin

June 16, 2025

Wisconsin Department of Health Services Continues to Recommend Current COVID-19 Vaccine to Protect Against Severe Illness The Wisconsin Department of Health Services continues to recommend the current COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy and for every person 6 months and older to protect from serious COVID-19 illness and to prevent spreading it to others. The current COVID-19 vaccine is safe during pregnancy, and vaccination can protect women and their infants after birth. Newborns depend on maternal antibodies from the vaccine for protection. Wisconsin Medicaid will also continue to cover the current COVID-19 vaccine…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

June 3, 2025

DHS Highlights Impact of Federal SNAP Changes on Wisconsinites Early this morning, the United States House of Representatives passed the budget reconciliation bill with a set of proposals to cut funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), costing Wisconsin taxpayers approximately $314 million each year. The bill will now go to the United States Senate for consideration. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has started to analyze how these cuts would impact all Wisconsinites, including taking food away from families…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

May 22, 2025

DHS Honors Wisconsin Health Care Providers with the Wisconsin BigShot Awards The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has announced its annual Wisconsin BigShot awards, celebrating 90 Wisconsin health care providers for protecting children’s health by ensuring they are up to date on childhood vaccinations, including measles, pertussis, meningitis, and HPV. “Vaccines continue to be the safest and most effective way to prevent many of the diseases that used to cause serious illnesses and deaths,” said State Health Officer Paula Tran. “These awards celebrate the…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

April 22, 2025