DHS Reminds Wisconsinites to Take Action Against Mosquito Bites The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) encourages Wisconsinites to continue to protect themselves against mosquito bites after the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) reported a horse in Marathon County tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus. A horse with EEE virus means that there are mosquitoes still present in Wisconsin that can spread EEE virus and possibly other illnesses to people and animals. DHS urges people…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

October 22, 2025

Wisconsin Improves Child Lead Testing Rates, Urges Continued Testing and At-Home Prevention The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has announced a 26% increase in the number of children under age 6 who have been screened for lead exposure statewide, allowing state and local health departments to catch more cases of lead poisoning sooner. This October 19-25, DHS is marking National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week by reminding parents and caregivers that testing children for lead exposure and knowing how to avoid common sources of lead exposure prevent serious health impacts to…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

October 14, 2025

DHS Encourages Wisconsinites to Get Vaccinated Against Respiratory Viruses This Fall The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) encourages Wisconsinites to protect themselves against respiratory illnesses this fall. Updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines for the 2025-26 respiratory virus season are becoming widely available statewide to protect against the current strains of these viruses that are circulating this season. RSV vaccines are also available for people who are eligible, including most older adults and people who are pregnant. RSV antibodies are available to protect…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

October 8, 2025

DHS Continues to Recommend the COVID-19 Vaccine for All Wisconsinites 6 Months and Older As directed by Gov. Tony Evers’ Executive Order #275 the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has reviewed the scientific evidence surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine. Based on this review, DHS issued a statewide standing medical order that allows most Wisconsinites who want the vaccine to get it at pharmacies across the state without a prescription. DHS continues to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for Wisconsinites 6 months and older during this fall respiratory virus season. This echoes…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

September 12, 2025

DHS Reports Increase in Fall-related Emergency Medical Services Calls Statewide The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has released an updated report finding that emergency medical services (EMS) in Wisconsin responded to over 140,000 falls in 2024, representing a staggering 21% of all 911-related ambulance runs in 2024. This week marks Falls Prevention Week, and DHS encourages Wisconsinites, caregivers, and partner agencies to take steps to reduce fall risk severity. “Falls remain a serious injury and health concern in Wisconsin, and EMS remain crucial in…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

September 11, 2025

New Grant Program, Exceptional Work Highlighted at Substance Use Prevention Conference The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is lifting up substance use prevention efforts across the state through a new grant program and awards recognizing exceptional local work improving the health and safety of individuals and communities. These announcements are part of the 2025 Wisconsin Substance use Prevention Conference, which is wrapping up its two-day run today. “Substance use prevention gives us an opportunity to get ahead of challenges,” said DHS Director of Substance Use…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

September 5, 2025

DHS Distributes Free Xylazine Test Strips, Renews Statewide Naloxone Standing Order for Pharmacies As part of a continued, comprehensive response to the state’s drug overdose epidemic, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is distributing more than 131,000 xylazine test strips to community organizations and renewing the statewide naloxone standing order for pharmacists. “Drug overdoses are preventable when we know what to do and how to do it,” said DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson. “When solutions like xylazine test strips and naloxone exist, we must do all we can to make these tools…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

September 3, 2025

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