 This message is being sent to Tribal health directors, local health officers, local health department staff, local health department nurses, VFC providers, VFA providers, and key DHS staff.
August 8, 2024
Pertussis: Reported cases continuing to increase state-wide
Over the past few months, the number of Pertussis cases have been increasing in Wisconsin, as well as throughout the U.S. Nationally, there are currently three times as many cases at this time compared to the similar time period in 2023.
To date in 2024, Wisconsin has 278 confirmed cases statewide, compared to a total of 51 cases reported in 2023. Twenty-nine counties have at least one case. While cases range in age from 1 month to 79 years, over half of the cases are in teens aged 11–18 years. Fifteen infants have been identified with Pertussis and three have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
When to test for Pertussis
Health care providers are reminded to consider testing for Pertussis in patients with a persistent or worsening cough of unknown etiology that lasts for more than seven days, or any cough duration if the patient has had close contact with a known case of Pertussis.
Testing for Pertussis
PCR is the preferred test and is most reliable within the first 21 days from cough onset. For more information, visit DHS' Whooping Cough (Pertussis) webpage and Case Reporting and Investigation Protocol (pdf).
Measles: No additional cases in Wisconsin
Wisconsin had one case of Measles in early 2024 and has had no secondary or new cases as of August 7, 2024.
On July 25, Minnesota reported three new cases in unvaccinated children in Anoka, Hennepin, and Ramsey counties. They are not directly linked to each other and have not traveled, so there is concern about possible Measles exposures and spread within the communities. Additional information about the Minnesota situation can be found on the MDH Measles website.
Measles diagnosis
Consider Measles as a diagnosis in anyone with a fever (>101°F or 38.3°C) and a generalized maculopapular rash with cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis who has recently been abroad, especially in countries with ongoing outbreaks.
Information about Measles testing can be found on the State Laboratory of Hygiene website.
Measles vaccine
A first dose of the MMR vaccine is recommended at 12 to 15 months of age and a second dose at 4 to 6 years of age. Two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective against Measles.
For those who are traveling internationally, additional Measles vaccinations may be recommended. For example, infants 6 months to <12 months of age who will be traveling internationally should receive a dose of MMR. This will not count toward the recommended 2-dose series. See the CDC's MMR recommendations.
For more information, visit DHS' Measles webpage.
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