Our Environmental Health Department develops and releases an Aquatic Newsletter for aquatic facilities and public health partners for the the southeast central region of North Dakota. Below is the contents from Volume 2.

Released May 28, 2025

Promoting Aquatic Safety: Resources from CVHD

As a recipient of the Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant, Central Valley Health District (CVHD) is proud to support healthy swimming practices and drowning prevention in our communities.

To help promote aquatic safety, CVHD has created an informational handout designed to educate the public on safe swimming habits. A digital version is attached to this newsletter for your convenience.

We encourage you to share this handout by posting it on your facility’s website and social media channels. CVHD will also distribute printed copies to each facility. Additional copies may be requested while supplies last, or you may print more as needed.

CVHD is also partnering with local public health units across the Southeast Central Region of North Dakota to distribute the handout at outdoor recreational water sites and to the broader public.

If you have creative ideas for sharing this important information, we’d love to hear from you!

Reminder: Water Body Sampling Requirements for Seasonal Aquatic Facilities – 2025 Season

As a reminder, before opening for the 2025 season, each water body at a seasonal aquatic facility must have a satisfactory water sample on file.

Monthly Sampling Requirement:

• Once in operation, each water body must have a water sample submitted by the 15th of every month.

Example:

• If a facility plans to open on May 30th, a satisfactory pre-opening water sample is still required.
• This sample can be collected after May 15th, as the facility was not operational prior to that date.
• A separate June sample must be submitted by June 15th, even if a May sample was submitted just before opening.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Seasonal Facilities: Please contact CVHD with planned opening date, hours of operation and schedule including swim lessons.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Healthy and Safe Swimming Week Campaign Materials

Aquatic Newsletter, Volume 2 (PDF):

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has confirmed the state’s first case of measles since 2011. The case involves an unvaccinated child from Williams County who is believed to have contracted the illness from an out-of-state visitor. 

The individual is currently isolating at home to avoid spreading measles to others. HHS is contacting those who may have been exposed and advising unvaccinated individuals how long to quarantine.

Measles is a contagious, viral illness that can be serious, particularly for young children and those with compromised immune systems. 

Measles symptoms often include: 

• fever
• cough 
• runny nose 
• eye irritation 
• followed by a body-wide rash

Measles spreads easily through the air and remains contagious for several days before and after symptoms appear. There is no specific medical treatment for measles, antibiotics may be used in cases that have a developed secondary bacterial infection.

Because the majority of North Dakotans are vaccinated, the risk to the general public is low.

People who were vaccinated as children and adults born before 1957 are considered protected due to previous infection.

Molly Howell, HHS immunization director, said, “Anyone with symptoms consistent with measles should call ahead before visiting a clinic to avoid exposing others. Vaccination remains the most effective defense against measles. Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccination is safer than risking measles illness. The MMR vaccine has been safely used in the United States since 1973.” 

Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing infection. The vaccine is routinely recommended for children at 12-15 months of age and again between 4-6 years. Most adults born in 1957 or later should have at least one documented dose. People born before 1957 are assumed to be immune due to history of measles. Those in health care settings are recommended to have two doses. 

Families and individuals should consult with their trusted health care provider to discuss immunizations. HHS encourages residents to check if they are up to date on MMR vaccine and to review their immunization records, available at hhs.nd.gov/IRR or from their health care provider.

Vaccines are available through most clinics, and for families in need, the federally funded Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program offers support through local providers. 

North Dakota currently reports an 81% MMR vaccination rate among toddlers, and a 90% rate among kindergarten students for the 2024-2025 school year. According to public health data, a 95% vaccination rate is generally needed to prevent wider spread in communities.

For more information about measles or immunizations, contact the HHS Immunization Unit at 701.328.2378, 711 (TTY) or visit hhs.nd.gov/measles. 

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Central Valley Health District (CVHD) is deeply saddened to share the passing of CVHD Board of Health member, Jerry Bergquist. Jerry was not only a valued member of our board, but also a longtime partner and advocate for public health in his over 30 years of dedicated service in emergency management for Stutsman County.

Central Valley Health District extends heartfelt gratitude to Jerry for his years of service to Central Valley Health — and for his unwavering leadership, wisdom, and dedication through countless community health emergencies and coalitions. His deep knowledge, steady guidance, and passion for serving others made a lasting impact on the organization and community.

Photos from CVHD archives that capture Jerry in action:

Jerry had served on the CVHD Board of Health as the Stutsman County Commission Representative for 3 years. Visit here to view Jerry’s obituary.