 This message is being sent to Tribal health directors, local health officers, local health department staff, local health department nurses, Vaccines for Children providers, Vaccines for Adults providers, and key DHS staff.
February 2025
Wisconsin Vaccine Preventable Disease Updates provides statewide data on select vaccine preventable diseases from the previous month.
Pertussis
As of January 31, 2025, Wisconsin has 87 confirmed cases statewide in 2025. Since January 1, 2025, 34 counties have had at least one case. While cases range in age from 6 months to 69 years, one-third (33%) of the cases are in adolescents aged 11–18 years. Two infants have been identified with pertussis and none have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
The most recent pertussis case count data can be found on the new pertussis dashboard where users can explore trends and view data at the state, region, and county levels. Please note the data are preliminary and subject to change.
The educational flier Seasonal Influenza (Flu): Is it the Flu, a Cold, or Whooping Cough? | Wisconsin Department of Health Services is a valuable source of information as influenza begins to circulate.
Varicella
As of January 31, 2025, Wisconsin has 17 confirmed and probable cases statewide in 2025. Since January 1, 2025, nine counties have had at least one case. About 41% of the cases had a positive laboratory test. While cases range in age from 4 months to 59 years, the median age of the cases is 11 years. One person has been hospitalized. The majority of cases continue to occur among unvaccinated people with about 65% of cases having either no doses or no known doses. No deaths have been reported.
Varicella resources
DHS chickenpox webpage
CDC chickenpox webpage
CDC laboratory testing information
Mumps
Since mid-December, there have been four cases of laboratory-confirmed mumps reported in Wisconsin. The affected counties include: Clark, Taylor, Rusk and Trempealeau, and the ages of the case range from 17 to 40 years.
Onset of parotitis ranges from December 14, 2024, to January 18, 2025.
Mumps testing and reporting
Clinicians in the affected region should have a high index of suspicion in individuals presenting with parotitis. See the CDC clinical overview of mumps page for more information. Report suspect cases to the local health department and test appropriately.
Laboratory confirmation of mumps is important, as there are other causes of parotitis. Influenza activity is currently high and it is known that Influenza A (H3N2), amongst other etiologies, can also cause parotitis.
Buccal swab specimens should be collected for PCR testing, preferably within three days of the onset of parotitis, and not after nine days of parotitis onset. See the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) mumps testing guidance for more information.
If fee-exempt testing at the WSLH is needed, please contact the Wisconsin Immunization Program at 608-267-9959 or after hours at 608-258-0099.
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 January 31, 2025.
Low MMR vaccination rates in children continue to be a concern; do not miss any opportunity to evaluate if children are up-to-date and provide vaccination if medically eligible.
Wisconsin vaccination rate data
The immunization program has vaccination rate dashboards for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. These dashboards display vaccination data by location, age group, and demographics. The influenza dashboard also highlights how the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) aligns with influenza vaccination coverage.
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