Dept. of Health Services: Launches new tool letting people report suspected illnesses from food or water

For Immediate Release

February 1, 2024
Contact: Elizabeth Goodsitt/Jennifer Miller 608-266-1683

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. This tool is especially important as cases of norovirus, the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, tend to spike in the winter. 

“By using this tool, Wisconsinites can help other people in their community from getting sick and help prevent outbreaks,” said Paula Tran, State Health Officer and Administrator of the Division of Public Health. “ Ingesting contaminated food and water may cause just a little stomach upset for some, for others it can lead to hospitalization and be life threatening. We’re asking people – when you’re feeling sick, report it quick.”

View the entire news release.