Health Alerts
Measles Information
Can't find your records or unsure of your vaccine status? We can help!
Contact our office at 701-652-3087 or fosterph@nd.gov
Resources
For the most updated measles information, visit the ND Health & Human Services website:
- www.hhs.nd.gov/measles — Information available in Spanish, Ukrainian, Somali, and Arabic. Scroll down past the exposure locations to "Measles Fact Sheets Translated to Other Languages."
- Measles Fact Sheet
- FAQ: If You've Been Exposed to Measles
- Measles Fact Sheet — Spanish
- Measles Fact Sheet — Ukrainian
Do You Need a Measles Vaccine?
The best protection against measles is knowing if you were vaccinated, when you were vaccinated, and whether you should get an MMR vaccine.
| Birth / Vaccination Year | Do You Need a Vaccine? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Born before 1957 | No | You were probably already exposed to measles, but could still receive the two-dose MMR series to ensure immunity. |
| Vaccinated between 1957–1989 | Maybe | Check with your doctor or local public health unit. Some vaccines used from 1963–1967 are considered ineffective and you will need another dose. |
| Vaccinated after 1989 | No | If you received two doses of MMR, your vaccines are considered effective protection against measles. |
Two doses of the measles vaccine (MMR) are 97% effective at protecting people against measles and preventing complications.
Remember, it's completely safe to get vaccinated, even if you already have immunity, either from previous infection or vaccination.
Call Foster County Public Health to check your vaccination status:
(701) 652-3087 | fosterph@nd.gov
Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB)
HAB Advisory — Juanita Lake, Foster County
August 8, 2025 — The NDDEQ is issuing a Harmful Algal Bloom Advisory for Juanita Lake in Foster County. Toxin levels are above the reporting limit.
Signage will be posted near public access points. The NDDEQ will continue to monitor the waterbody until sample results indicate toxin levels are low.
Blue-green algae can produce cyanotoxins which may cause serious health effects in people and animals. The NDDEQ will continue to monitor the waterbody until sample results indicate toxin levels are low.
Resources
Caution – Harmful Algal Blooms: When In Doubt, Stay Out!
Advisories
| Lake Name | County | Date Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Jamestown Reservoir | Stutsman | 06/26/2025 |
| Green Lake | McIntosh | 07/23/2025 |
| Clear Lake | Pierce | 07/25/2025 |
| Lake 5 | Kidder | 07/25/2025 |
| Whitman Dam | Nelson | 08/04/2025 |
| Juanita Lake | Foster | 08/05/2025 |
| Lake Coe | Eddy | 08/05/2025 |
Warnings
| Lake Name | County | Date Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Bowman-Haley Reservoir | Bowman | 06/26/2025 |
| Sweet Briar Dam | Morton | 07/25/2025 |
| Patterson Lake | Stark | 08/04/2025 |
| Harvey Dam | Wells | 08/06/2025 |
Source: North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (ND DEQ)
2025 North Dakota Measles Information
For the most updated measles information, visit the ND Health & Human Services website:
Measles – Protect Your Family and Community
Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children.
Measles spreads through the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air for 2 hours after a person with measles leaves the space. About 9 out of 10 people who come near a person with measles and are not protected by vaccination will become infected.
Common measles symptoms appear 7–14 days after contact and include:
- High fever (may spike to more than 104°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red and/or watery eyes
- Rash (breaks out 3–5 days after symptoms begin)
Measles can cause severe health problems, including:
- Pneumonia
- Swelling of the brain (encephalitis)
- Possibly even death
The best way to protect against measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. It's never too late to get vaccinated. If you are not vaccinated, consider staying at home or away from crowded areas until measles cases in the area decrease, especially to protect people in your family that could get very sick.
If you think that you or someone in your family have measles, stay away from others and call a healthcare provider, urgent care, or emergency room.
Contact us: (701) 652-3087 | fosterph@nd.gov
Learn more: cdc.gov/measles
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
How Can You Help? Know Your Vaccine Status!
Check Your Status & Obtain Vaccination Records
Contact Foster County Public Health:
Call 701-652-3087 | Email fosterph@nd.gov
Resources
- CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) — Expanding Measles Outbreak & Travel Season Guidance
- Current Measles Cases and Outbreaks — CDC (updated every Friday at noon)
- ND HHS Health Advisory (May 22, 2025)
- FCPH Press Release (May 7, 2025)
- ND HHS Health Advisory (May 6, 2025)
