A critical component of our outbreak response is effectively communicating accurate and timely information that is guided by data-driven evidence. We coordinate with local health systems, the Wisconsin DHS, the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene, and other partners to ensure all available response resources are being utilized, as needed.

We also communicate with the public to share updates that enable individuals to make informed decisions to protect their health. This information may come from a variety of channels including social media, press releases, department webpages, and informational handouts.

Connect with us to receive these communications!

When cases of reportable diseases and conditions or outbreaks occur in Rock County, we are responsible for conducting case and contact investigations.

During case investigations, our public health nurses gather information to identify the source of an outbreak, learn who else may have been exposed, and provide guidance to limit complications and further spread of illness. Case investigations include contacting those that have confirmed, probable, or suspect illnesses.

Similarly, contact investigations include contacting those who may have been exposed to a case to gather similar information as case investigations. The criteria for a case contact depends on the specific disease responsible for the outbreak.

Getting a potential illness diagnosed through confirmatory laboratory testing allows for proper treatment and interventions to be utilized. We coordinate with the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene to ensure the appropriate testing is performed and contact potential cases to inform them how to get tested. If treatment is needed, we help guide individuals to healthcare providers that can prescribe medications. 

In an event where a large number of tests need to be performed, medications need to be distributed, or vaccines need to be administered, we may initiate points of dispensing (PODs). PODs are temporary operations designed to dispense medical countermeasures quickly to large groups of people.

To limit the spread of an outbreak in Rock County, we may initiate a number of infection prevention interventions.

Infection prevention largely takes place through contacting Infection Preventionists at different settings including acute care facilities, long-term care facilities, schools, and daycares to ensure settings with large, vulnerable populations are protected. We maintain relationships with these Infection Preventionists through our Infection Prevention Consortium as a way to build trust and establish fast communication lines in the event of an outbreak.

We may also request personal protective equipment (PPE) or medical countermeasures, such as immunizations or medications, if they are available and appropriate for response. Additionally, when warranted and supported by evidence that such measures will reduce morbidity, we may recommend individuals isolate or quarantine, groups limit large gatherings, and/or facilities temporarily close. Wisconsin State Statute Chapter 252 describes our legal guidelines in initiating these strategies. 

In November 2025, RCPH responded to a confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a goose that had been in contact with a Rock County resident. We worked with Wisconsin DHS and the resident to monitor symptoms to ensure safety protocols were met and that any further spread of HPAI was reduced.

See our avian influenza webpage for more information about avian influenza.

In April and May 2024, RCPH responded to a confirmed case of measles in a Dane County resident who spent time in Rock County while infectious. RCPH worked in coordination with Wisconsin DHS and Public Health Madison & Dane County, and SSM Health to identify and notify people who may have been exposed. 

See our measles webpage for more information about measles.

In May 2022, mpox began to spread throughout the United States, including Wisconsin. RCPH responded to the mpox outbreak by providing vaccinations, communicating with Rock County residents at local events, and sharing prevention information with local healthcare partners.

See our mpox webpage for more information about mpox.

RCPH's response to the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020 as case activity began to increase throughout the United States. Throughout the pandemic, we conducted disease investigations for thousands of Rock County residents, increased vaccine access through dozens of vaccination clinics, and provided regular updates to the public and our partners through press releases, social media, and other communication channels.

See our COVID-19 webpage for more information about COVID-19.