Wisconsin DHS News

Storm Flood Cleanup Safety Precautions for Wisconsin Residents

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has issued safety precautions for residents and crews engaged in storm and flood cleanup and recovery. The advisory covers multiple hazards including downed power lines, debris, carbon monoxide exposure, floodwater dangers, mold growth, private well contamination, and food safety. The guidance also informs FoodShare members they have 10 days to request replacement benefits for food lost due to storms or power outages.

Wisconsin DHS Announces $31M Opioid Settlement Fund Allocation Plan

Wisconsin DHS announced its plan to allocate approximately $31 million in opioid settlement funds received in 2025-2026 from settlements with pharmaceutical distributors, manufacturers, and pharmacies. The funds will support prevention programming, substance use disorder treatment, overdose prevention including naloxone distribution, and recovery services across the state including Tribal nations.

Wisconsin Applies for Food is Medicine State Officer Program

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has submitted a letter of intent to apply for the Food is Medicine State Officer Program. This initiative aims to build capacity for food-based interventions to improve health outcomes, with a decision on funding expected later this year.

DHS Announces Measles Exposure in Milwaukee County

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced a confirmed measles case with potential exposures at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on January 29, 2026. This case is linked to a confirmed case in another state and is the first detection of measles in Wisconsin wastewater.

Wisconsin Confirms Second Measles Case of the Year

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced the confirmation of a second measles case in Dane County for 2026. The case is linked to international travel and is unrelated to a previous case. DHS is working to identify and notify potentially exposed individuals.

Wisconsin Confirms First Measles Case of Year in Waukesha County

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) confirmed the state's first measles case of 2026 in Waukesha County. The case is linked to international travel. DHS is urging residents to check their vaccination status and ensure they are up-to-date on MMR vaccines.

Wisconsin Childhood Vaccination Rates Decline in 2025

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) reported a decline in childhood vaccination rates for 2025, with only 66.9% of children vaccinated by 24 months, a nearly 2% decrease from the previous year. The DHS is working with partners to address barriers to vaccination and encourages residents to check their status and consult healthcare providers.