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By Keith Norman, For The Jamestown Sun

JAMESTOWN — While there has not been a confirmed case of measles in North Dakota since 2011, there is at least some interest in vaccinations among adults, according to Kim Lee, director of nursing for Central Valley Health District.

“A few vaccinations for those 55 and older,” she said. “Boosting because of travel.”

Lee said the total number of vaccines over the past few weeks has been fewer than five but CVHD does stock the vaccine and has it available for children and adults.

Young children typically get their measles vaccine at a clinic when they are getting their checkups, she said.

The U.S. is seeing a spike in measles cases this year. There were 607 confirmed cases in the U.S. in 21 states with 74 of those cases requiring hospitalization as of Friday, April 4, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One child who was not vaccinated died of measles in Texas, and another death in New Mexico is under investigation, the CDC said. In that case, the person tested positive for measles and was unvaccinated, the CDC said.

In 2024, a total of 285 measles cases were reported in the U.S.

Measles is highly contagious and anyone not protected against it is at risk, according to the CDC. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected.

Danni Pinnick, immunization surveillance coordinator for the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, said measles can spread by airborne particles. If there is one infected person in a room of unvaccinated people, they would expect 90% of the unvaccinated people to become ill and 20% sick enough to require hospitalization.

“Measles vaccines have been around since 1963 and made more effective in 1967,” Pinnick said. “People born since the early 1960s have either been vaccinated or had measles.”

Pinnick said the vaccination is commonly given in early childhood and gives the person a very weak case of measles.

“We commonly vaccinate as soon as it makes sense,” she said. “It is best as young as possible because the greatest risk from the disease is those under the age of 5.”

The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is commonly given in two doses.

“The measles (vaccine) is very effective,” Pinnick said. “It is about 90% effective after one dose and 97% to 98% effective after the second dose. MMR is not something boosted.”

Pinnick said the year 1957 is used when discussing possible vaccinations with adults.

“People born before 1957 are assumed to have had the disease,” she said.

Officials try to check vaccination records for people born after 1957 although those records are sometimes missing or incomplete. There is a medical test to check for antibodies.

“It would probably make more sense to get another immunization,” Pinnick said.

Vaccinations were mandatory for all North Dakota school children starting in the early 1970s. It wasn’t until the late 1990s when parents were allowed to exempt their child from vaccinations on the grounds of religious or personal beliefs.

In Stutsman County, 95.6% of high school juniors were vaccinated for measles this school year. This compares to the statewide average of 97.02%.

Some districts in Stutsman County have a 100% vaccination rate among their high school students. These include Pingree-Buchanan and Montpelier. The Anne Carlsen Center also has a 100% vaccination rate among their high school students.

Parents should talk to their doctors about the risks associated with getting their children the vaccine or exempting their kids from the vaccine.

“The school vaccination rates are down,” Pinnick said. “That is what we are worried about.”

The rate for kindergarten students in Stutsman County drops to 91.6%, while 89.6% of kindergarten students across North Dakota are vaccinated for measles.

While the last confirmed case in North Dakota was 14 years ago, the Department of Health and Human Services has protocols to respond to another measles case. Even before the case is confirmed, staff would seek to create a list of people the infected person had come in contact with and prioritize any lab work related to confirming the case.

Early symptoms of measles are similar to the common cold but ultimately expand to a full-body rash that starts at the head along with a high fever and sensitivity to light.

“It is not a mild disease,” Pinnick said. “Parents will be shocked by how sick their kids get.”

Pinnick said the goal is to get the highest vaccination rate possible of at least 95%.

Families of children infected with measles could be quarantined and prohibited from leaving their homes for up to three weeks under North Dakota regulations.

“There are consequences of not vaccinating,” Pinnick said.

Lee said public health organizations are staying prepared.

“All we can do is sit and hope,” she said. “We are always just one person away from an outbreak.”

(Alexandria, Va.) — The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2024 Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant: Central Valley Health District in Jamestown, ND. Central Valley Health District was honored during an awards ceremony at the 2025 World Aquatic Health Conference (WAHC) in Atlantic City, NJ, on January 28, 2025.

Given in the memory of Dr. Robert Neil Lowry, a longtime member of PHTA and the PHTA Recreational Water & Air Quality Committee (RWAQC), this $5,000 grant honors a public health official or department who has made outstanding contributions to advance the public’s health and safe use of recreational water in pools, spas, and waterparks through educational, safety, operational, and technical programs.

Since 1993, Central Valley Health District has been at the forefront of ensuring the safety and well-being of aquatic facility patrons, including those using swimming pools, hot tubs, and interactive water features. Through its innovative efforts, CVHD has demonstrated remarkable foresight, updating and expanding its regulations to address evolving challenges and the latest scientific advancements in aquatic health and safety..

Central Valley Health District has demonstrated its commitment to public safety by conducting regular inspections of licensed aquatic facilities over the past two years, providing valuable guidance on how to implement new requirements, and educating facility staff on the latest aquatic health and safety concerns. Through these efforts, Central Valley Health District has helped to promote a safer recreational environment for thousands of residents in the region.

With the $5,000 grant, Central Valley Health District will develop outreach for licensed facilities, including a newsletter with guidance on regulatory compliance and safety; educate patrons on how to ensure a safe and healthful aquatic experience; and promote general aquatic safety on topics such as drowning prevention, safety equipment, and maintaining the health of aquatic facilities.

“The PHTA RWAQC feels that the Central Valley Health District has done a tremendous job in examining its codes and regulations, updating them to not only include recent scientific advancements, but also to include non-traditional recreational water activities,” says John Weber, Vice Chair of the PHTA RWAQC. “Their outreach and education to their community has been and will continue to be important in maintaining the health of the public while promoting the overall health benefits of swimming. We are happy to award the Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant to such an important advocate for their community.”

Past winners of the Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant include: Craven County Environmental Health, 2023; Fishers Health Department, 2022; City of North Richland Hills, 2021; Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment, 2019; Arizona Department of Health Services, 2018; Quechan Parks & Recreation, 2017; Riverside County California Department of Health, 2016; Columbus Public Health, 2015; Middlesex-London Health Unit of London, Ontario, 2014; Brevard County Environmental Health Services Department, 2013; Sacramento County Environmental Management Department, 2012; Alexandria Health Department, 2011; City of Houston, 2010; and City of Plano, 2009. 

For more information about the Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant, visit phta.org/lowry-grant.

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JAMESTOWN, ND— The Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) Foundation, the James River Valley Breastfeeding Coalition (JRVBC) and Jamestown Parks and Recreation have partnered to install a new lactation pod at the Two Rivers Activity Center (TRAC). This initiative ensures that employees and TRAC guests have access to a clean, comfortable and private space for breastfeeding or pumping.

As a hub for family-friendly activities, TRAC welcomes thousands of visitors each year. The addition of a lactation pod demonstrates a commitment to supporting parents and fostering an inclusive environment where breastfeeding is both encouraged and accommodated. 

“Breastfeeding parents deserve safe and comfortable spaces wherever they go,” said Shannon Klatt, a JRVBC member. “By installing this lactation pod, we are removing barriers and making it easier for families to prioritize their baby’s health.” 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least the first year of life because of its many health benefits for both babies and mothers. However, a lack of private and sanitary spaces can pose challenges for breastfeeding parents, especially in public or workplace settings. Lactation pods provide a solution by offering a quiet, secure environment specifically designed for nursing and pumping. 

This project was made possible through a Strengthening People, Access, Resources, and Knowledge (SPARK) grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota. The JRMC Foundation received the grant to support initiatives that enhance community health and well-being. The grant funding facilitated the purchase and installation of the lactation pod, reinforcing the commitment to supporting breastfeeding families in the Jamestown community. 

This is the second lactation pod installed in Jamestown by the JRVBC. The first was placed at the University of Jamestown’s Newman Arena, ensuring that students, staff and visitors have access to a dedicated breastfeeding space on campus. 

“Supporting breastfeeding-friendly communities is an investment in the health of our children,” said Amy Walters, Jamestown Parks and Recreation director. “We’re grateful for the collaboration that made this project possible and look forward to continuing to create a culture of support for breastfeeding families in Jamestown.” 

For more information about this project or the work of the JRMC Foundation and JRVBC, please visit jrmcnd.com or centralvalleyhealth.org. 

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