From WisPolitics.com/WisBusiness.com … — Wisconsin hasn’t seen a new confirmed measles case in a little over a month now, according to Department of Health Services data. According to the data, one case of measles had a rash onset date on the week of Sept. 7, just over a month ago now. The landmark comes after the state saw 36 confirmed cases between the week of July 7 and the most recent case. A measles outbreak also isn’t technically considered over until 42 days after the last person who had measles developed a rash, Dr. Stephanie Schauer, Wisconsin Immunization Program Manager, said. “Additionally, measles cases continue to be reported in neighboring states and across the country,” she added. “Therefore, it is still important for Wisconsinites to make sure they are up to date on their measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine so they can stay healthy and prevent additional cases of measles in our state.” While no new cases have been reported recently, this year saw a significant increase over the one measles case Wisconsin saw last year. And the state has followed a national trend that’s seen a sharp increase in cases this year compared to last year, according to Centers for Disease and Control data. Texas, which has seen by far the most cases this year, for example, has had 803 cases this year compared to one last year. The news also comes as Wisconsin’s measles, mumps and rubella vaccination rate declined to 84.2% in 2024 from 89.1% in 2016, according to data from a Stanford and NBC News study. The measles vaccine is safe, and two doses of the vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles if you are exposed to the virus,” Schauer said. She also noted residents can check their immunization status on the Wisconsin Immunization Registry and said families worried about the cost of vaccines can use the Vaccines for Children program, which provides free vaccines to eligible families. — Marshfield Clinic is celebrating the opening of its Women’s Health & Imaging Center at Marshfield Medical Center-Weston. The facility, operating since September, is the first in Wisconsin to host Contrast Enhanced Mammography, according to equipment vendor Hologic. Other services offered include screening mammography, diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, breast biopsy, MRI and bone density screening. “CEM is like a regular mammogram, except the patient receives an iodine-based dye injection before the mammogram,” Radiologist Dr. Sarah Nielsen said. “The dye makes it easier to see new blood vessels that form when hyperactive cancers grow.” See the release. Top Stories – Journalists Dig Into Government Shutdown and Rural Doctor Drought – Kids who use social media score lower on reading and memory tests, a study shows – Trump slashes mental health agency as shutdown drags on Press Releases – Marshfield Clinic: Medical Center-Weston holds grand opening for Women’s Health & Imaging Center – Wisconsin Better Business Bureau: Scam alert: Beware of health care cons during open enrollment
