Communicable Diseases

A communicable disease refers to an infectious disease that can be transmitted from one individual to another through various means. This includes contact with infected individuals or their bodily fluids, such as respiratory droplets, blood, or semen. Transmission can also occur through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, ingestion of contaminated food or water or contact with disease vectors like mosquitoes, fleas or mice. Examples of communicable diseases include cholera, hepatitis, influenza, malaria, measles and tuberculosis.

In North Dakota, several diseases and conditions are of particular concern. Among these, the top four for this area include:

• COVID-19
• Hantavirus
• West Nile Virus
• Tickborne diseases

For a comprehensive list of diseases and topics, refer to the North Dakota Diseases and Conditions A-Z list.

Covid-19

It's important for McKenzie County leaders to share accurate information to avoid causing unnecessary panic. If you or someone you know has respiratory symptoms like cough, fever, or shortness of breath, contact one of the local healthcare providers listed. For vaccine information or clinic availability, contact the McKenzie County Public Health Nurse at 701-444-3449. Additional resources, including links to the CDC, provide guidance on COVID-19 symptoms, testing and prevention tips.

Hantavirus Disease

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a serious viral infection that causes severe lung disease, and is primarily spread by infected deer mice through their urine, droppings and saliva. Individuals are most at risk of exposure to hantavirus when cleaning or occupying previously vacant structures that show signs of rodent infestation. Because there is no specific treatment for hantavirus disease other than supportive care, it is crucial to take proper precautions to avoid infection.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Hantavirus Infection:

• Ventilation: Before cleaning, open doors and windows to air out the space for at least 30 minutes.
• Protective Gear: Wear gloves and use disinfectant when handling rodent droppings, urine, nests or dead rodents.
• Disinfection: Saturate contaminated areas with disinfectant for at least five minutes before removal.
• Cleaning: Mop floors and disinfect countertops, cabinets and drawers using an EPA-registered commercial disinfectant or a bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water).
• Avoid Dust: Do not stir up dust by sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings, urine or nesting materials.
• Child Safety: Keep children away from crawl spaces or vacant buildings where rodents may be present.

Symptoms and Statistics

Symptoms of HPS typically begin two to three weeks after exposure and can include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, dizziness, chills, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms can quickly worsen, leading to severe respiratory issues. Individuals with HPS are usually hospitalized, and the disease can be fatal.

Since the virus was first recognized in the U.S. in 1993, North Dakota has reported 15 cases, with seven of them resulting in death. Nationally, 697 cases were reported as of January 2017, with a 36% fatality rate. The vast majority of cases occur in states west of the Mississippi River.

For further details, contact Jill Baber at the NDDoH Division of Disease Control at 701-328-2378. Additional information and precautions can be found on the NDDoH website.

Tickborne Diseases

Tickborne diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, are transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected tick. These diseases can be serious and affect people of all ages, making it important to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect yourself.

Identifying Ticks in North Dakota

In North Dakota, the most commonly encountered ticks are the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) and the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), also known as the deer tick. In 2019, the Lone Star tick was also identified in the state.

What to Do if You Find a Tick Attached

1. Stay Calm: Don't panic if you find a tick attached to your skin.
2. Remove the Tick Properly: Use tweezers to carefully remove the tick. Avoid using folk remedies like petroleum jelly, nail polish remover, or burning matches, as these methods can cause the tick to release more pathogens into your bloodstream. Your goal should be to remove the tick as quickly and safely as possible. For guidance on safe tick removal, check here (need to add pdf)
3. Monitor for Symptoms: After removing the tick, watch for symptoms for the next 30 days. Common symptoms of tickborne diseases include fever, chills, aches, pains and a rash.

Additional Resources

• Tick Bites and Symptoms
• Preventing Tick Bites
• Tickborne Disease

By staying informed and taking precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of tickborne diseases.

West Nile Disease

West Nile Virus is a disease spread by mosquitoes, and the best way to protect yourself is by preventing mosquito bites. Here are some tips from the Upper Missouri District Health Unit to help you reduce your risk.

Protective Measures

• Use Insect Repellent: Apply insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, IR 3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or permethrin when spending time outdoors. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label.
• Avoid Peak Mosquito Hours: Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn. If possible, limit your outdoor activities during these times.
• Wear Protective Clothing: When outdoors, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts to reduce skin exposure.
• Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water. Remove standing water from containers like buckets, flowerpots, old tires, wading pools and birdbaths around your home.
• Maintain Your Home: Keep mosquitoes out by repairing any broken screens on windows and doors. Also, trim the grass around your home to reduce mosquito habitats.
• Clean Gutters: Ensure roof gutters and downspout screens are clean to prevent water buildup, which can attract mosquitoes.

For more information on how to protect yourself from West Nile Virus, visit the Upper Missouri District Health Unit website or contact Daphne Clark at 701-774-6400. You can also find additional resources on the CDC website.