WISCONSIN — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) on Thursday launched a new online tool for Wisconsinites to report food or water sicknesses.

What You Need To Know

  • The Wisconsin Department of Health Services on Thursday launched a new online tool for Wisconsinites to report food or water sicknesses
  • It comes at a time when norovirus, the stomach illness causing vomiting and diarrhea, tends to spike

  • The new DHS online questionnaire takes less than five minutes to complete and is meant to help health officials identify the sources of contamination to prevent further cases

  • DHS said they believe these types of stomach illnesses are under-reported. That’s because many get better without seeing a doctor

It comes at a time when norovirus, the stomach illness causing vomiting and diarrhea, tends to spike. Marathon County Health Department on Tuesday reported it’s already seeing high levels of norovirus wastewater in the Wausau area.

The new DHS online questionnaire takes less than five minutes to complete and is meant to help health officials identify the sources of contamination to prevent further cases.

“By using this tool, Wisconsinites can help other people in their community from getting sick and prevent outbreaks,” said DHS State Health Officer Paula Tran. “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.”

The new tool asks questions about current symptoms, recently visited places and food items that you’ve recently eaten. Then that information is sent to local health departments for identification of the source. DHS noted that a specialist may reach out if more information is needed; however, follow-up will be confidential.

DHS said they believe these types of stomach illnesses are under-reported. That’s because many get better without seeing a doctor. The online tool is meant to shed more light on these viruses and give health officials more information about them.

Officials said people may come into contact with contaminated food in number of places, including the grocery store, restaurants and water from pools, lakes or rivers.

DHS shared the following tips related to food poisoning:

  • Wash hands and surfaces touched with food often
  • Keep raw meat, chicken, seafood and eggs away from food that will not be cooked
  • Cook food to the right temperature to kill germs that can cause illness
  • Refrigerate food at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder within 1-2 hours of cooking

Wisconsinites can access the new tool, here.

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