News Releases: 2024

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), along with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), local health departments, and federal partners, is working to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to cucumbers.

Respiratory virus season is underway in Wisconsin, and it's common this time of year for people to seek antibiotics when sick. When used correctly, antibiotics can help you feel better and save lives. However, when taken unnecessarily, they can cause harmful side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance. To recognize and raise awareness of safe antibiotic use, Gov.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has launched an innovative new online tool for people working in overdose spike response, substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. The Wisconsin Suspected Overdose Alerts for Rapid Response (WiSOARR) system will provide near real-time data on when and where suspected overdoses may have occurred to inform immediate actions to address drug overdoses.

Holidays are a busy time for travel, gathering with family and friends, and getting sick. Vaccines are safe, effective, and the best way to stay healthy. Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) data show only 22% of Wisconsinites have received a flu shot this season, and just 11% have received an updated COVID-19 vaccine. With flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 cases starting to rise, now is the time to get a vaccine.

Today, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and the Department of Health Services (DHS) recognized the 50th anniversary of WIC (Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program) by proclaiming the day Wisconsin WIC Day statewide.

During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (October 20-26), the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is encouraging all Wisconsinites take steps to prevent and detect childhood lead exposure by getting the facts, helping children get tested for lead exposure, and checking homes for lead hazards.

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows Wisconsin children are behind other states in getting vaccines, leaving children and communities vulnerable to outbreaks.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) urges people to continue to take steps to prevent mosquito bites after two horses in the state tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEE). The Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced a case in Marathon County yesterday, and then confirmed another case in Clark County.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is reporting a significant increase in cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, across Wisconsin. Data in the state, and nationally, show case counts are now similar to pre-pandemic levels.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is encouraging Wisconsinites to get vaccinated against respiratory illnesses this fall. An updated COVID-19 and a new annual flu vaccine are now available to protect against COVID-19 and flu strains circulating this season.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), along with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), local health departments, and federal partners, are working to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to eggs from a Wisconsin farm.

Ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is highlighting new state efforts to end overdose deaths and improve the health of people who use drugs. This annual observance, as proclaimed by Gov. Tony Evers, is a day to remember those lost to drug overdose, acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind, and act to save lives.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has confirmed two Wisconsinites have died and another was hospitalized because of West Nile virus (WNV) illness. The first three human cases of WNV in our state this year have been reported in residents of Outagamie, Fond du Lac, and Brown counties.

As the 2024-2025 school year gets underway, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is marking the 25th year of its successful Wisconsin Seal-A-Smile program, which brings preventive dental services to children of all ages statewide.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced today the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line has expanded its text-based Live Vape Free program to include young adults ages 18-26. The program supports young Wisconsinites on the path to ending their use of nicotine and vape products and will provide people over age 18 with two weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy if medically eligible.

As summer winds down and back-to-school planning gears up, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) reminds Wisconsinites that now is the time to book appointments, communicate special health concerns with schools, and talk to children about issues that may impact their mental and emotional health.

Starting in January 2025, almost 8,000 Family Care and Family Care Partnership (Partnership) members in South Central Wisconsin will have more choices in who helps manage their long-term care. Members in Adams, Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Green Lake, Jefferson, Marquette, Rock, and Waushara counties will be able to choose from four managed care organizations (MCOs) for Family Care. That's an increase from the two currently available.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announces the first West Nile virus (WNV) infections in Wisconsin this year in a healthy blood donor from Washington County, whose blood screened positive for WNV, and in a dead bird from Chippewa County that tested positive for the virus.

In its first year, UpliftWI, Wisconsin's phone service staffed by people who offer hope and knowledge gained from their experiences living with mental health and substance use concerns, answered 16,508 calls for support. UpliftWI is operated by Mental Health America of Wisconsin under a grant from the Department of Health Services (DHS).

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) invites state residents to share information about family health in their communities to help influence the priorities and focus of maternal and child health programs in the state. The Maternal and Child Health, Title V Needs Assessment Survey is part of a comprehensive, statewide assessment the DHS Maternal and Child Health Program conducts every five years as part of federal Title V funding.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) wants to hear from state residents about ways to make the Include, Respect, I Self-Direct (IRIS) program the best it can be. Serving roughly 26,000 Wisconsinites, the IRIS program empowers adults with disabilities and older adults with long-term care needs to live independently and make their own choices.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and federal partners at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating reports of severe illnesses associated with Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies. These products contain a proprietary blend of mushrooms and are available for purchase online and at retailers nationwide.

Today, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced that one of its partners, Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW), had a security incident that may have exposed the protected health information of 19,150 Wisconsin Medicaid members.

The incident was discovered after suspicious activity was found on a DRW email account. DHS and DRW continue to investigate and address any complications from this data security incident.

The 2024 fair season in Wisconsin begins this week and with it comes an opportunity for Wisconsinites of all ages to visit animals up close. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is reminding Wisconsinites that animals can carry diseases that may make people sick, but simple steps can help ensure a safe and enjoyable time.

Wisconsin has taken another step forward to help people with mental health and substance use emergencies with the opening of five crisis stabilization centers for adults. Crisis stabilization facilities support people who can't stay in their community safely, but don't need to be hospitalized. Funded by the Department of Health Services (DHS), the centers provide a dedicated location for this level of care for most counties.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is continuing to raise awareness about prevention, treatment, and recovery from stroke by launching an expanded statewide public awareness campaign to teach people how they can reduce their stroke risk, how to know if someone is having a stroke, and to act quickly if they or someone near them is having a stroke.

Today, the Department of Health Services (DHS) joined partners from the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District and the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene to honor Wisconsin wastewater professionals. The event coincides with Governor Evers proclaiming May 22, 2024, as Wastewater Professionals Appreciation Day to recognize these professionals for protecting and promoting the health, safety, and overall well-being of all Wisconsinites.

"How are you?" On the surface, it's such a simple question--and it usually gets a simple answer. For those experiencing a mental health concern, the answer may not be simple. What they say and how they feel can be very different things. They hold back the truth for fear of judgement.

Today, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced updates to immunizations needed for children in child care centers and schools. The changes include a requirement for meningitis vaccination and that chickenpox infection must be documented by a qualified medical professional. There is no change to existing exemption options for medical, religious, or philosophical reasons.

Following a confirmed case of measles, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), in coordination with Public Health Madison & Dane County and Rock County Public Health, are working to identify and directly notify people who may have been exposed to the measles virus.

The investigation has identified the following exposure locations in public settings for which a full list of exposed people cannot be obtained.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has confirmed a case of measles in an individual living in Dane County, with travel and employment in Rock County. DHS, in coordination with Public Health Madison & Dane County and Rock County Public Health, are working to identify and notify people who may have been exposed to the measles virus. Additional information will be shared as the investigation continues.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has awarded its annual Wisconsin BigShot awards to 208 Wisconsin health care providers for their efforts to protect children against vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, and pertussis.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), along with the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), local health departments, and federal partners, is working to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to fresh basil. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 12 people in seven states have become infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella.

Twelve Tribal nations, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies have received grants from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) for projects to prevent and reduce the dangers of opioid use.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) reminds Wisconsinites that its COVID-19 Treatment program will end on April 10. The program, initially planned to end in 2023, was extended to April 2024 due to the success of the program and high cases of COVID-19 circulating at the time.

On April 1, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) submitted its plan for the annual share of $750 million of opioid settlement funds to the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance (JFC).

“One of our top priorities is access to mental health services for all Wisconsinites who need them. Act 249 will help us address a significant gap in Wisconsin’s system of care and ensure people experiencing mental health emergencies get the right care, at the right time, in the right place.

This bill will help us transform the way we care for our state’s most vulnerable using the Crisis Now model of someone to contact, someone to respond, and a safe place to get help.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) now offers free online training to become a certified direct care professionals (CDCPs) in Spanish. CDCPs care for older adults and people with disabilities in their homes or community living spaces, helping with bathing, dressing, eating, exercise, and other daily activities.

El Department of Health Services (DHS) de Wisconsin ofrece ahora formación gratuita en línea para convertirse en un profesional certificado de cuidado directo (CDCP) (certified direct care professional (CDCP)) en español.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is celebrating the impact of community health workers (CHWs) across Wisconsin with a new multimedia campaign designed to raise awareness about their contributions and highlight the benefits of supporting community health workers for organizations that work with them.

"The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is pleased to see updated respiratory virus recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

These updates reflect what the latest data and science are telling us.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has awarded 13 grants worth $830,000 over the next two years to community organizations throughout Wisconsin to help address the youth and young adult vaping epidemic.

In time for the annual peak in norovirus cases and outbreaks, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has launched a new online tool to encourage Wisconsinites to report food or water sickness when symptoms occur. The online questionnaire, which takes less than five minutes to complete, helps local health departments identify sources of contamination to prevent others from getting sick.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recommends universal blood lead testing for children living in Wisconsin. Universal testing means all children should receive a blood lead test at ages 1 and 2 as well as any child between ages 3 and 5 who has not had a previous test. Children under 6 residing in the city of Milwaukee require additional testing per local health department guidelines.

As students begin the spring semester, the Department of Health Services (DHS) encourages parents and caregivers to be aware of Wisconsin Emergency Department data from the National Syndromic Surveillance Program that shows young people experience large increases in self-harm injuries at certain times of the year, including when school resumes after the winter holidays.

With cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) rising across Wisconsin, the Department of Health Services (DHS) is urging pregnant Wisconsinites to get the vaccine to protect their baby from the virus. As of January 10 there have been 1,402 people in Wisconsin hospitalized with RSV this season, 580 of those are children under age 2.

A youth crisis stabilization facility is now open in Watertown, with start-up funding provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). The eight-bed center in the former Alyea House at Camp Matz is operated by Milwaukee-based Wisconsin Community Services under an agreement with the Jefferson County Human Services Department.

Most new and existing members of Wisconsin's BadgerCare Plus and other Medicaid programs who are under age 19 can now keep their health insurance benefits for at least 12 months, even if their family's income increases or they no longer meet program rules. This new policy aims to improve health outcomes for children by stabilizing their access to care. States were required to implement this change made by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, passed by Congress in December 2022.

During National Radon Action Month, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is encouraging home and building owners, along with child care providers, to test their buildings for radon.

Radon, an odorless, radioactive gas naturally present in the ground, is found across Wisconsin, and enters buildings through their foundations. Approximately one in 10 homes in our state have elevated radon levels.