CDC-Backed Lead Screening Clinics Expand in Milwaukee; VA Upgrades and Measles Readiness Updates
Milwaukee, WI – March 2, 2026 – CDC-backed lead screening expands in MPS; Milwaukee VA upgrades announced; measles update; Wicked Hop closed.
Lead screening clinics expand in Milwaukee schools
Milwaukee Public Schools and the City of Milwaukee Health Department hosted a lead screening clinic at Keefe Avenue School on Feb. 24, part of a broader plan to bring blood lead screening into school buildings. WISN reported the effort is supported by a $400,000 federal grant and is intended to make screening easier for families by offering testing during the school day with parent or guardian consent.
City and federal health officials attended the Keefe Avenue clinic, and local leaders said additional school-based clinics are expected over the next year. A separate report from the Wisconsin Examiner noted a parent advocacy group welcomed the push for more testing but said broader screening across more grade levels should be considered as the program expands.
Measles update from a major Milwaukee health system
Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin published a measles update on Feb. 24, citing increased measles activity nationally and noting recent cases reported in Wisconsin counties including Waukesha, Dane and Walworth. The health system emphasized vaccination as a core prevention tool and highlighted workplace readiness planning as organizations review policies for contagious illnesses.
Milwaukee VA announces infrastructure projects
The Milwaukee VA Medical Center announced facility upgrades on Feb. 27 as part of fiscal year 2026 modernization work. The VA’s project list included renovation work for a Women’s Clinic, repairs to a north campus steam tunnel, upgrades tied to electronic health record modernization, MRI equipment upgrades, and several safety-related projects, including corrections recommended by The Joint Commission.
Restaurant temporarily closed after health inspection
The Milwaukee Health Department temporarily closed the Wicked Hop in the Historic Third Ward after inspectors reported live roach activity in kitchen areas and documented additional violations during inspections on Feb. 25 and Feb. 26, according to FOX6. The department issued an order to stop regulated food sales while corrective steps are completed, and follow-up inspections were planned.
Sources
https://www.wisn.com/article/cdc-grant-funds-mps-lead-poisoning-testing-clinic/70483849
https://wisconsinexaminer.com/briefs/parents-group-supports-new-lead-testing-in-milwaukee-schools-but-says-more-should-be-done/
https://www.froedtert.com/stories/measles-update-february-2026
https://www.va.gov/milwaukee-health-care/news-releases/milwaukee-va-upgrades-health-care-infrastructure/
https://www.fox6now.com/news/milwaukees-wicked-hop-temporarily-closed-after-roach-activity-found
If you have urgent symptoms, seek medical care. For general questions, talk with a licensed clinician.
