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Outbreaks, Recalls, and Investigations

Following is a list of selected outbreaks, recalls, and investigations with wide impact in Wisconsin.

As of August 13, 2026, there have been 15 confirmed and six probable cases in the outbreak in Iowa and Lafayette Counties. There have been a total of 17 confirmed and six probable cases in Wisconsin so far in 2026. 

Confirmed measles cases are cases that meet clinical criteria for measles and have been laboratory confirmed or have a direct link to a laboratory-confirmed case by location and time. Probable cases meet the clinical description of measles, but have not been laboratory confirmed or linked to a laboratory-confirmed case.

The ongoing investigation indicates that measles is spreading locally. At this time, the investigation has not identified locations in public settings for which a full list of exposed people cannot be obtained.

DHS, in coordination with Iowa County Health Department and Lafayette County Health Department, are working to identify and notify people who may have been exposed to the measles virus.

Those who are most at risk are those who are not vaccinated or don’t know their vaccination status. If you believe you have been exposed to measles and are not immune, remain at home and monitor for symptoms.

DHS urges all people to check their vaccination status, as vaccination against measles is the best way to prevent measles illness.

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious, serious disease caused by a virus. The virus can be spread through the air and through direct contact with people who are infected. Measles can cause serious health complications, including pneumonia, brain damage, and deafness, and can sometimes be deadly. One in four people who get measles in the United States will be hospitalized.

Unvaccinated young children and other non-immune adults are at highest risk of serious disease from measles.

For a full description of measles, see the DHS measles fact sheet, P-42174 (available in English, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish), the DHS measles webpage, and CDC measles webpage.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Anyone who was exposed to measles would expect symptoms to start 10 to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms include:

  • Runny nose
  • High fever (may be greater than 104 F)
  • Tiredness
  • Cough
  • Red, watery eyes, or conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • A red rash with raised bumps that starts at the hairline and moves to the arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin

If you develop any symptoms of measles, stay home (do not go to work, school, shopping, or use public transportation) and call your doctor’s office or clinic before visiting so they can take precautions so that other patients are not exposed to the virus.

How to get vaccinated

The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated with the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective. In general, people born before 1957 are considered immune and do not need a vaccine. All other adults without laboratory evidence of immunity should have at least one dose of measles-containing vaccine, and children should have two doses. Find more information about who should get a measles vaccine on the DHS measles webpage.

If you, or your family, need to get vaccinated contact your health care provider to schedule an appointment. People with health insurance may have vaccine benefits through a pharmacy as well—check your policy. Local health departments may be able to provide MMR vaccine to uninsured adults through the Vaccines for Adults (VFA) program. The Wisconsin Vaccines for Children Program (VFC) covers the cost of vaccines for eligible children. Check the VFA and VFC webpages for a provider near you.

How to check your vaccination status

Wisconsin residents can find their immunization records using the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR). Instructions can be found in the DHS fact sheet Wisconsin Immunization Registry Information for Parents, P-42154 (available in English, Spanish, and Hmong). If you are unable to access your records, please contact your doctor’s office or your local health department.

Wisconsin data and monitoring for measles

Wisconsin data about measles cases in Wisconsin can be viewed on the measles dashboard.

In addition, the Wisconsin Wastewater Monitoring Program tests wastewater across Wisconsin for measles as part of routine public health surveillance. Measles wastewater data are posted to CDC’s National Wastewater Surveillance System Dashboard, updated weekly on Fridays. Learn more about DHS’s Wastewater Monitoring Program, and view Wisconsin dashboards for COVID-19, flu, and RSV on the Wisconsin Wastewater Monitoring Program webpage.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is working with local, state, and federal partners to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella linked to jalapeño peppers.

  • According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), as of August 10, 345 people in 27 states have become sick with the outbreak strain of Salmonella (Salmonella Javiana). Thirty-six people have become hospitalized and no deaths have occurred.
  • Wisconsin has nine laboratory confirmed cases linked to this outbreak. No hospitalizations in Wisconsin cases have been reported.

The affected jalapeño peppers were distributed to Chipotle Mexican Grill and Qdoba. Both establishments have removed the product from their stores after learning of the outbreak. CDC and the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) do not consider there to be any ongoing risk to consumers from these establishments in this outbreak.

Recall information

Jalapeño peppers

  • Distributed by Coast Citrus Distributions
  • Grown in Sinaloa, Mexico

On August 9, Taylor Fresh Foods recalled several products containing jalapeños. See the recall notice from the FDA for a full list of products. Two products were sold in Wisconsin at Walmart stores:

  • Freshness Guaranteed Hot (or Spicy) Pico De Gallo 10 oz.
    • UPC: 681131276351
    • Best if used by date: 8/08/2026 - 8/16/2026
  • Freshness Guaranteed Mild Pico De Gallo 10 oz.
    • UPC: 681131276344
    • Best if used by date: 8/08/2026 - 8/16/2026

On August 12, Whole Foods Market recalled several products from its Produce and Prepared Foods department that contain jalapeños. The recalled products were sold in Wisconsin and have Best Before/Best By Dates of 8/7/2026–8/16/2026. See the recall notice from the FDA for a full list of products.

Advice for consumers

  • Do not eat recalled jalapeño peppers. Throw them away or return them to where you bought them
  • Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled jalapeños with hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
  • Call your health care provider for any severe signs of Salmonella:
    • Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
    • Diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving
    • Bloody diarrhea
    • So much vomiting you cannot keep liquids down
    • Signs of dehydration, such as:
      • Not peeing much
      • Dry mouth and throat
      • Feeling dizzy when standing up

Advice for businesses

  • Do not sell or serve recalled jalapeño peppers.
  • Wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled jalapeño peppers.
  • More information for businesses can be found on the FDA's outbreak investigation of Salmonella-Jalapeños advisory.

Symptoms of Salmonella

Diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps are the most common symptoms of Salmonella.

  • Symptoms usually start six hours to six days after swallowing the germ.
  • Most people recover in four to seven days, without treatment.
  • Some groups, like children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems, may experience more severe illnesses and that require medical treatment and hospitalization.

Resources

As of August 12, there have been 251 cases of cyclosporiasis reported in Wisconsin during this year's Cyclospora season so far, including seven hospitalizations.

One hundred thirty-six of the confirmed cases did not report traveling outside the United States during the 14 days prior to symptoms starting and are domestically-acquired infections.

DHS encourages people to stay up to date on recalls that impact Wisconsin on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's website.

Learn more about Cyclospora on the cyclosporiasis webpage.

Advice to consumers

Follow food and vegetable handling recommendations:

  • Wash your hands, utensils, and food preparation surfaces before and after handling and preparing raw produce.
  • Rinse all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking. Use a clean produce brush to scrub firmer produce.
  • Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on produce before preparing and eating.
  • Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible or within two hours.
  • Cook produce when appropriate.

Resources

See the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) webpages for more information and to stay up to date on other food-borne outbreaks and recalls:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), public health officials in several states, the California Department of Public Health Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, are investigating a multistate outbreak of the infant botulism linked to infant formula. As of June 13, there have been no confirmed cases of infant botulism linked to this outbreak in Wisconsin.

According to the CDC as of June 13, 2026, this outbreak includes three infants with confirmed or suspected infant botulism have been reported from three states. All three infants were hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

Recall information

The recall includes all Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula. The formula was sold at Target stores, Target.com, and Nara.com.

Advice to consumers

  • Do not use any Nara Organics infant formula.
    • If anyone has leftover Nara Organics powdered infant formula that was fed to their infant, they should record the lot number and best by date, and keep it stored for at least a month. If an infant fed Nara Organics powdered infant formula develops symptoms of infant botulism, Bureau of Communicable Disease (BCD) staff may want to collect it for testing.
  • Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled formula using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

When to see a health care provider

Parents should take their infant to see a health care provider when both of the following apply:

  • Your infant has consumed Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic powdered infant formula.
  • Your infant has symptoms of infant botulism. Symptoms of infant botulism can take weeks to develop and include:
    • Poor feeding.
    • Loss of head control.
    • Difficulty swallowing.
    • Decreased facial expression.

Frequently asked questions for parents

If my infant has consumed the recalled formula, can I test my baby to know if they have botulism?

There is no test to determine if an infant without symptoms has been exposed to the bacteria. Only infants that have symptoms of botulism and are hospitalized can be tested. The special test is done through a stool sample.

If my infant has consumed Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula, will they get botulism?

Not all infants who consumed the recalled formula will develop botulism. The presence of the bacteria alone doesn't cause botulism. Once the bacteria have started growing in the gut, they produce a toxin that affects the nervous system. The toxin is what causes symptoms of botulism. Younger babies are more likely to have less mature gut microbiomes and are more susceptible to getting sick with botulism.

What symptoms should I watch for?

The first symptom is usually constipation followed by droopy eyelids, poor sucking, pooling of milk in mouth, a weak or gargled cry, and “floppy” neck. Having a fever is not a symptom of botulism.

How is botulism treated?

To prevent worsening symptoms, babies suspected of having botulism are often given an antitoxin called BabyBIG. Infants with botulism need to be hospitalized. Supportive treatment will take several weeks and a feeding tube and ventilation may be required. Physical and occupational therapies are needed for full recovery. Most babies that receive supportive care will survive and recover.

Advice to businesses

  • Do not sell, donate, or use recalled infant formula.
  • Wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have touched recalled formula.

Advice to clinicians

  • Initial diagnosis of infant botulism is based on clinical symptoms that can't be explained by another disease.
  • Consult with the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program (IBTPP) for suspected cases by phone immediately at 510-231-7600.
  • Request and administer BabyBIG antitoxins as soon as possible if clinical consultation supports infant botulism. Do not wait for laboratory confirmation.
  • Providers should report all suspected cases of infant botulism to the Bureau of Communicable Diseases (BCD) immediately at 608-267-9003, or after hours at 800-943-0003 (option 4).
  • Testing for infant botulism is only done if an IBTPP consult determines the infant meets clinical case criteria and will receive BabyBIG.
  • More information for clinicians is available on the CDC Clinical Overview of Infant Botulism webpage.

Frequently asked questions for health care providers

When to test for infant botulism?

  • Testing for infant botulism is only done if an Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program consult determines the infant meets clinical case criteria and will receive BabyBIG.
  • There are no screening tests to determine if an infant without symptoms has been exposed to botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT).
  • Testing for BoNT requires approval from BCD and the referral testing laboratory.
  • Administration of BabyBIG is not dependent on BoNT test results, so testing is not the first priority.
  • A stool specimen is collected from symptomatic infants for BoNT testing and Clostridium culture. Instructions for specimen collection and handling are provided at time of BCD approval.
  • The gold standard confirmatory test for BoNT is the mouse bioassay which can take up to two weeks to finalize results.

When to suspect a patient has botulism?

  • Suspect botulism in infants who develop clinically-compatible signs and symptoms of botulism and have consumed Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula within the past month.
  • Consult with the IBTPP for an infant suspected of having botulism. Consult is usually initiated by the attending pediatrician after initial medical assessment.
  • Suspected cases of botulism should be reported to BCD immediately at 608-267-9003, or after hours at 800-943-0003 (option 4). BCD can arrange consult with IBTPP and facilitates testing of clinical specimens and environmental samples.

Resources

Visit the CDC and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) webpages for more information and to stay up to date on other foodborne outbreaks and recalls.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is working with local, state, and federal partners to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella linked to backyard poultry.

  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 513 people in 43 states and a U.S territory have become sick with the outbreak strain of Salmonella. One hundred and thirty-four people have become hospitalized and one death has occurred.
  • Wisconsin has 31 laboratory confirmed cases linked to this outbreak.

Backyard poultry and Salmonella

Outbreaks of Salmonella linked to backyard poultry occur every year in the U.S., including in Wisconsin residents. Many of these infections are preventable.

  • Poultry, including healthy and clean backyard poultry, can have Salmonella germs in their poop and on their bodies (feathers, feet, and beaks). The germs can easily spread to their cages, coops, eggs, and equipment use to care for them. People can get sick from Salmonella if they touch the birds or anything in their environment and then touch their mouth or food before washing their hands.
  • Children younger than 5 years are more likely to get sick with Salmonella because their immune systems are still developing. They also are more likely to put their fingers or other items with germs in their mouths.

What you should do

If you own or have contact with poultry, take these steps to reduce the risk of becoming ill with Salmonella infection:

  • Always wash your hands after touching backyard poultry, their eggs, or anything within the areas in which they live or roam. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Don't kiss or snuggle backyard poultry, and don't eat or drink around them.
  • Keep poultry, even when they are babies, outside your house.
  • Supervise kids around flocks and don't let children younger than 5 years old touch chicks, ducklings, or other backyard poultry.
  • Handle eggs safely.
  • Call your health care provider right away if you have any of these severe symptoms:
    • Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
    • Diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving
    • Bloody stools
    • Prolonged vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down
    • Signs of dehydration, such as:
      • Making very little urine
      • Dry mouth and throat
      • Dizziness when standing up

What stores selling backyard poultry should do

Symptoms of Salmonella

Diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps are the most common symptoms of Salmonella.

  • Symptoms usually start six hours to six days after swallowing the germ.
  • Most people recover in four to seven days, without treatment.
  • Some groups, like children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems, may experience more severe illnesses and that require medical treatment and hospitalization.

Resources

See the CDC webpage for more information on this investigation, and to stay up to date on other food-borne outbreaks and recalls.

To view previous outbreaks and investigations, visit our Past Outbreaks in Wisconsin page.

Related pages

Glossary

 
Last revised August 13, 2026