Weekly Reports

KEARNEY –Two Rivers Public Health Department (TRPHD) is launching a local Public Swimming Pool Operator Education & Certification Program following the discontinuation of the state-provided pool operator course. This program builds upon TRPHD's local swimming pool inspection and permitting program, which has been ongoing since spring 2025. Operators with current CPO certifications or other recognized certifications may continue using them until they expire. Upon expiration, operators may complete TRPHD's operator education program or submit documentation of an equivalent course for review.

The new program reflects TRPHD's commitment to education and community engagement, which are central to the department's mission and vision. Through this program, TRPHD aims to provide operators with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to support safe pool operations, maintain water quality, and protect public health.

The certification is offered at $40, the same fee as the previous state-provided course. After payment, operators will receive TRPHD course materials or have their equivalent course documentation reviewed, as applicable. To begin the process, complete the Certification Application Form at: https://www.trphd.ne.gov/programs-services/services/environmental-health/public-swimming-pool-operator-certification-course.html

Kearney, NE — The Two Rivers Public Health Department (TRPHD) has confirmed that a bat collected within the district has tested positive for rabies.  This is the 3rd bat in the 2026 calendar year. The bat was reported following contact with humans. Those involved have been notified, and appropriate follow-up, including medical consultation, is underway.

KEARNEY- Two Rivers Public Health Department is hosting Family Night vaccination clinics on October 5th and October 12th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. At these vaccination clinics, Two Rivers will offer influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. This is perfect timing for individuals who want to be protected against these illnesses as respiratory season arrives. For more information about vaccinations offered by Two Rivers, visit our website at our Vaccine Clinic page for more information or call the office during regular office hours.

KEARNEY – Two Rivers Public Health Department (TRPHD) is providing an update on West Nile Virus (WNV) activity within the district. Following the detection of WNV in mosquito pools in Dawson County reported earlier this summer, WNV has now also been detected in multiple mosquito pools in Buffalo County and continues to be detected in mosquitoes in Dawson County. Mosquitoes are routinely collected and tested throughout the TRPHD district as part of ongoing efforts. The detection of WNV in additional areas highlights the continued importance of taking precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

WNV is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who become infected have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are typically mild, and may include fever, body aches, headaches, and vomiting or diarrhea. Serious illness occurs in less than 1% of infected people. At this time, there are no confirmed human cases of WNV within the TRPHD district.

KEARNEY –West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in multiple mosquito pools in the Two Rivers Public Health Department district. Mosquitos are identified through routine sampling efforts. WNV can be transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. About 1 in 5 people who are infected with WNV develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with febrile illness due to WNV recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months. Serious symptoms occur in less than 1% of infected people. At this time there have been no confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus in the Two Rivers district.

To prevent mosquito bites, one should practice good mosquito control by removing standing water, using EPA-registered insect repellents, and by wearing long-sleeved pants and shirts. There is no WNV vaccine for humans.

KEARNEY –Two Rivers Public Health Department is hosting a meeting to explore opportunities for local contractors to partner with TRPHD on grant-funded projects that improve healthy, safe, and functional outdoor spaces in our communities, including the new Nuisance to Nature (N2N) Program. Contractors with experience in junk removal, outbuilding repair, roofing, vegetation management, and pollinator garden installation are encouraged to attend to learn more about the program, contracting opportunities, project expectations, and how they can become involved. The meeting will be held on Friday, August 28, from 2:00-3:00 p.m. in the Loup Room at Kearney Public Library.

Through the N2N program, qualifying properties may receive assistance addressing issues such as accumulated refuse, deteriorated outbuildings, and overgrown vegetation, followed by the installation of a pollinator garden. Residents who are interested in the N2N program are also welcome to attend the meeting to learn more about the process and what services will be available. For more information about the Nuisance to Nature Program, visit https://www.trphd.ne.gov/programs-services/services/environmental-health/nuisance-2-nature-program.html

KEARNEY- Cache Valley virus (CVV) has been detected in a mosquito pool in the Two Rivers Public Health Department district as part of routine testing. CVV is extremely uncommon but can be transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. Symptoms of CVV include fever, fatigue, vomiting, nausea, and headaches. In the most severe cases of CVV, the virus can cause neck stiffness, paralysis, confusion, and even death. At this time there have been no confirmed human cases of Cache Valley virus in the Two Rivers district. Fewer than 10 cases have ever been confirmed of CVV in humans in the United States.

KEARNEY – Two Rivers is offering free Lead Environment Assessments for Families (LEAF) to eligible households throughout the district. The program is designed to help families identify potential sources of lead exposure and create healthier home environments for children and pregnant women.

Families may qualify if they live in a home built before 1978 and have at least one child under the age of 6 and/or a pregnant woman living in the dwelling full time. Eligible participants will receive a free lead risk assessment, lead-safe cleaning education, a lead cleaning kit, and water filters at no cost.

KEARNEY- Johnson Lake has tested positive for E. Coli bacteria, according to samples taken on Monday, June 8th. When E. coli bacteria levels test above 235 colonies/100 ml a Health Alert is not issued. However, conditions are at a higher risk to human health when swimming. Considering the more rapid changes in bacteria conditions, signs are not posted with these higher levels. Although, we want people to be aware of beach conditions and use their own judgment as to whether they use a listed water body. There is a risk of infectious disease when swimming in ANY recreational body of water.

KEARNEY- Ft. Kearney Lake No. 7 near Kearney has tested positive for E. Coli bacteria, according to samples taken on Tuesday, May 26th. When E. coli bacteria levels test above 235 colonies/100 ml a Health Alert is not issued. However, conditions are at a higher risk to human health when swimming. Considering the more rapid changes in bacteria conditions, signs are not posted with these higher levels. Although, we want people to be aware of beach conditions and use their own judgment as to whether they use a listed water body. There is a risk of infectious disease when swimming in ANY recreational body of water.