Author Archives: ongovhealth

Mosquito Pool Found Positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, Spraying of Cicero Swamp Planned

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Indu Gupta, was notified today of a finding of Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) in mosquitoes collected from a trap located on Island Road in the Cicero Swamp area in the town of Cicero. This is the same location as previous findings of West Nile virus (WNV). Dr. Gupta explains… Read more >

Health Alert: Significant Increase in Syphilis Cases in Onondaga County

As of September 28, 2021, Onondaga County has seen 95 cases of syphilis, which is more than three times the number of cases in all of 2020. This increase can impact not only individuals but also their partners and unborn children if pregnant. Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta stated, “Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease… Read more >

Additional Findings of West Nile Virus

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Indu Gupta, was just notified by the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory that mosquitoes from traps located on Route 298 and Island Road in the Cicero Swamp area and at Oneida Shores have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The traps located in the Town of… Read more >

Weather Favorable for Mosquito Spraying Planned for Town of Lysander

The weather forecast is favorable for the truck spraying planned in areas of the Town of Lysander after 7pm tonight, Monday, September 20. Please see the original announcement at https://healthnews.ongov.net/mosquito-spraying-planned-9-17-21/ that contains pesticide information and recommended preparations for those who live in the spray area. Please see an updated spray map at http://www.ongov.net/health/env/documents/SprayMapLysander.pdf.… Read more >

Update on Skaneateles Lake Water Sampling

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta was notified this evening that the samples taken earlier today in Skaneateles Lake show non-detectable levels of toxin in drinking water reaching customers of the system, including the City of Syracuse, the Town of Dewitt, the Village of Skaneateles, the Town of Skaneateles, the Town of Elbridge, the… Read more >

Low Levels of Algal Toxins Detected in Skaneateles Lake Water

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta announced today that the City of Syracuse has reported low levels of algal toxins found in their routine water samples of the untreated intakes in Skaneateles Lake. Results are well below health advisory limits for the general population. Skaneateles Lake is used by several municipalities as a public… Read more >

Death of Horse Due to West Nile Virus Infection, Spraying Planned for Town of Lysander

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Indu Gupta, was notified by the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory that a horse in the Town of Lysander has died from West Nile virus (WNV) infection. Dr. Gupta explains that, “West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito; therefore it is extremely… Read more >

Syracuse Teen Named “CNY Reality Check Youth Ambassador of the Year”

Ali Kareem honored for his commitment to the fight against Big Tobacco Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, joined by Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta and Tobacco-Free CNY Coordinator Karyn Johnson, recognized Ali Kareem, a student at the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central who was honored with the 2021 New York State Central New York… Read more >

Overdose Awareness Day—August 31st

Local communities around the world are coming together on Overdose Awareness Day to remember those who have passed away or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose. In 2020, the CDC reported that 93,000 people died from an opioid overdose in the midst of the pandemic, with 156 of those deaths occurring locally in Onondaga… Read more >

Mosquitoes Found Positive for West Nile Virus

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Indu Gupta, was notified by the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory today that a mosquito pool from a trap located at Island Road in the town of Cicero has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). Dr. Gupta explains that “West Nile virus is spread by the… Read more >