Respiratory Illness Visits Have Increased in Wisconsin

State health data shows rising emergency department visits for respiratory illnesses as of late September.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Asthma

Flat opaque gouache-painted illustration of a single clinical thermometer resting on a wooden surface, representing public health monitoring. — Wisconsin health officials are monitoring a rise in emergency department visits for respiratory illnesses as of late September, reaching 12% of total volume. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Wisconsin emergency department visits linked to respiratory illnesses climbed to 12% for the week ending September 26, up from 7% in July. While overall illness levels remain low, state officials are monitoring various viral transmission rates.

Why it matters

Tracking these trends helps public health officials anticipate the strain on hospital resources before the anticipated increase in influenza-like cases during November and December.

As of September 26, 151 people were hospitalized with influenza and 104 with COVID-19, while the positive test rate for rhinovirus hit 33.5% compared to 2.7% for SARS-CoV-2.

The players

Department of Health Services

This state agency monitors lab testing and emergency department data to track health trends across Wisconsin.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This federal agency establishes the standards for using R-naught values to measure the community transmission of diseases.

The details

The Department of Health Services tracks these figures to manage community disease transmission, which is currently measured by an R-naught value of 0.88. Officials reported that 5% of deaths in the state were associated with pneumonia, COVID-19, influenza, or RSV through the week of September 13.

Respiratory illness emergency department visits were 7% in July 2026.
5% of deaths were associated with respiratory illness by September 13, 2026.
Emergency department visits reached 12% for the week ending September 26, 2026.

The Big Picture

This report follows a pattern of localized disease tracking set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention R-naught measurement protocols.

Residents should remain aware of local transmission levels as the state prepares for a projected increase in influenza-like cases during November and December. Staying updated on health department advisories can help individuals manage personal wellness and potential exposure risks.

The takeaway

Maintaining awareness of seasonal illness trends allows residents to better prepare for anticipated upticks in respiratory viruses. Public health data remains a vital tool for both local officials and individuals to manage personal risk throughout the autumn and winter months.