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Vernon County health officials report measles outbreak and low COVID, influenza activity; WIC remote pilot noted
Summary
Health Officer Amy Kleiber and infection-prevention staff reported a continuing measles outbreak (1,671 cases in 2026), said COVID and influenza activity are low and RSV activity is moderate; the board also heard preparedness plans and a WIC remote-certification pilot.
Vernon County health officials told the Board of Health on April 8 that a regional measles outbreak is ongoing, reporting 1,671 cases so far in 2026 compared with 2,286 cases in 2025 and a lower hospitalization percentage this year (5% in 2026 versus 11% in 2025).
Health Officer Amy Kleiber and Infection Preventionist Romelle Heisel reported that respiratory illnesses were declining and were currently classified as 'low' for COVID-19 and influenza, while respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity was 'moderate.' They said RSV vaccination was encouraged through the end of March. The minutes also note that a chicken-nugget product recall cited in last month’s notes was retracted by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Kleiber described ongoing uncertainty about certain preparedness awards but said staff are continuing daily operations; the department held Healthcare Emergency Response Coalition (HERC) meetings in March and April and is collaborating with the Coon Creek Watershed Council on a flood-safety event and distribution of disaster-preparedness buckets.
On WIC, the minutes record that the MODERN WIC Act of 2025 has been introduced in the House to permit remote certification and benefits via phone or video. Vernon WIC is operating under an ARPA waiver that allows remote appointments, and a Kwik Trip location in the state will pilot WIC benefit acceptance at the end of April.
The board also received a coroner’s report for March: Coroner Betty Nigh reported 15 deaths in the month (8 cremations, 7 burials), 93% of which were coroner cases; monthly coroner income was $2,667.00 and expenses $653.87. The sanitarian reported three new business licenses issued in the past month and noted the Environmental Health Sanitarian Advisory Committee will meet April 15 to continue outreach and compliance work on updated food-safety codes.
