 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.
September 19, 2024
The 2023 Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD) Surveillance Summary has been published. This report summarizes information on select VPDs among Wisconsin residents as reported to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) through the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS).
Pertussis: Reported cases continuing to increase state-wide
As of September 13, 2024, Wisconsin has 625 confirmed cases statewide, compared to a total 51 cases reported in 2023. Forty-eight counties have had at least one case since January 1, 2024. While cases range from 1 month to 82 years, just under half (42%) of cases are in individuals ages 11-18 years. Twenty-eight infants have been identified with pertussis and six have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
Case data will be updated weekly and is available on the DHS Pertussis webpage.
The Communicable Disease Case Reporting and Investigation Protocol: Pertussis has been updated. It contains up-to-date information on laboratory testing, clinical presentation, and treatment for pertussis.
Tdap vaccine for pregnant individuals
We encourage providers who are seeing pregnant individuals to ensure vaccine conversations are started early in pregnancy and that Tdap (as well as other vaccines recommended for pregnant individuals, such as influenza, COVID-19 and RSV) are being offered during the ACIP recommended time frames.
Tdap is ideally administered during 27-36 weeks of each pregnancy to provide optimal protection to the newborn. This is particularly important given pertussis activity is increasing.
In 2023, 3 out of 4 birthing people in Wisconsin received a Tdap vaccine during pregnancy. However, disparities exist; 84% of individuals identifying as non-Hispanic, other Asian Pacific Islander received Tdap compared to 64% of those identifying as non-Hispanic Black receiving this vaccine during pregnancy.
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 September 13, 2024.
Update on measles outbreak in Minnesota
As of September 13, 2024, there have been 42 confirmed cases of measles related to the current outbreak in Minnesota. Many of these cases are associated with community spread and the outbreak is largely affecting unvaccinated children in the Somali community in Minnesota. Twenty-four cases are in children less than 5 years of age and 12 individuals have been hospitalized.
|
