News

Birth defects and infant disorders are common, costly, and critical conditions that can cause lifelong health challenges. Birth defects are structural changes that can affect almost any part of the body, such as the heart, brain, or foot.

The omicron variant of COVID-19 has emerged as the predominant variant in North Dakota. The latest round of variant testing resulted in 130 out of 142 (91.5%) sequenced specimens confirmed to be omicron. From this sample, we estimate that the omicron variant is now likely to be at least 90% of the SARS-CoV-2 viruses circulating in North Dakota.

Thursday, January 13, at 11:00a.m. CT the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) will host a live virtual Town Hall to discuss topics surrounding the COVID-19 Omicron variant, including infectiousness, severity, vaccine protection, treatments and more.

With the recent surge in COVID-19 cases occurring in North Dakota, the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) has changed protocols for case investigations in the state.

The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) announced that it has engaged the University of North Dakota (UND) and North Dakota State University (NDSU) in a project to understand COVID-19 immunity and experiences in North Dakota.

To allow NDDoH team members to spend time with their families, the following holiday hours will be in effect.

The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) has confirmed four cases of the COVID-19 omicron variant in the state. Two cases were confirmed in Ward County, one in Burleigh County and one in Cass County. All four cases were identified in individuals under the age of 50. Two cases had traveled together to another state and two cases have no travel noted. Three of the four individuals had completed two doses of COVID-19 vaccine but had not received booster doses. One case was not vaccinated. None of the individuals have been hospitalized.

Per updated endorsements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) is advising vaccine providers in the state of a clinical preference of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) over the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine.

A letter from ND State Health Officer, Dr. Nizar Wehbi

This week marks the first anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccine being administered in North Dakota. I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the public health workers, health care providers, tribal leadership, pharmacies, partners, and all members of TeamND for the efforts undertaken this past year to provide North Dakotans with access to the COVID-19 vaccine.