Blue-Green Algae Advisory Issued for Skaneateles Lake

ONONDAGA COUNTY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 –  The Onondaga County Health Department has issued a Blue-Green Algae Advisory for Skaneateles Lake following confirmation by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) of a harmful algal bloom. Laboratory testing conducted by the City of Syracuse has detected Microcystin toxins, which are produced by certain types of blue-green algae in the raw (untreated) lake water. The Onondaga County Health Department, along with New York State, the City of Syracuse, and the Town of Skaneateles, are actively monitoring the water, and there remains no evidence of toxins in the public water supply. To be clear, the public water supply from Skaneateles Lake is not affected by the algae bloom.

Residents and visitors are strongly advised to avoid contact with any visible algae blooms, surface scums, or discolored water, as these may contain harmful toxins.

What You Need to Know:
Blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) can turn lake water green and form thick surface layers or scums. Some types produce toxins that pose health risks to humans and animals. Exposure to these toxins can lead to skin or eye irritation, or cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea if ingested.

Recommended Precautions:

  • Do not drink water directly from the lake.
  • Avoid swimming, wading, or fishing in areas with visible blooms or surface scums.
  • Keep pets away from the water; do not allow them to wade, drink, or walk along the shoreline.
  • Rinse off with clean water immediately if you or your pet comes in contact with algae.

Important Information for Homes with Private Water Intakes:
If your home draws water directly from near-shore intakes in Skaneateles Lake, take the following precautions:

  • Do not use lake water for drinking, making infant formula, preparing food, brushing teeth, washing dishes, or for pets.
  • Do not bathe using lake water if blooms or scums are visible near your intake.

Please note: The Onondaga County Health Department reminds residents to NEVER drink untreated surface water, whether or not harmful algal blooms are present. Boiling, chlorination, ultraviolet (UV) treatment, and standard filtration do not remove blue-green algae toxins from the water.

Anyone experiencing symptoms such as skin irritation, eye discomfort, or gastrointestinal illness after potential exposure should contact their healthcare provider promptly.

Additional Resources:

 

 

Two Additional Human Cases of West Nile Virus in Onondaga County; Dead Bird Surveillance Partnership Helps Detect Virus Activity

ONONDAGA COUNTY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 – The Onondaga County Health Department has received reports of two additional human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in county residents. The first human case of the season was announced on July 16, 2025, bringing the total to three cases this year. These new cases highlight the ongoing risk of mosquito-borne illness throughout our community and the importance of mosquito bite prevention and early warning systems such as dead bird surveillance.

Dead birds, especially species like crows, blue jays, ravens, and other perching birds, are important early indicators of mosquito-borne viruses. Testing these birds allows public health officials to track the presence of viruses before they spread widely in the community. By examining dead birds, officials can detect serious viruses such as:
• West Nile Virus (WNV)
• Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
• St. Louis Encephalitis, and others

This surveillance helps guide mosquito control efforts and provides valuable information to protect both people and animals.

A Local Partnership Protecting Public Health
Dead bird surveillance is an initiative of the Onondaga County Health Department in partnership with the Thangamani Lab, SUNY Center for Vector-Borne Diseases, Upstate Medical University. When residents report and submit suitable dead birds, the Health Department works closely with the Thangamani Lab to test them for viruses. The results help identify areas of concern and allow public health officials to take action to prevent disease outbreaks.

“Dead bird surveillance provides us with an early warning system. Birds, particularly crows and jays, are highly sensitive to viruses like West Nile, and their deaths often signal local virus activity. By testing these birds, we can detect the emergence and spread of mosquito-borne viruses before they pose a greater risk to our communities,” said Dr. Saravanan Thangamani, Director of the Thangamani Lab.

How Residents Can Help
If you find a dead bird on your property or in your neighborhood:

1. Report It
• Call the Onondaga County Health Department Vector Program at 315-435-1649
• Learn more at our website.

2. Collect It Safely (only if directed to bring it in):
• Only collect birds that have died within 24 hours and show no signs of decay or maggots
• Wear gloves or use a plastic bag to avoid direct contact
• Double-bag the bird in sealed plastic bags
• Keep the bird cool (refrigerate, if possible, but do not freeze)
• Deliver to 4170 Rt 31, Clay, NY, Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Watch a helpful video here.

Why It Matters
By reporting and submitting dead birds for testing, residents help:
• Detect virus activity early, before people or pets become sick
• Support mosquito control programs
• Prevent outbreaks of diseases like WNV and EEE
• Expand the areas of virus detection beyond the County’s existing surveillance system

Safety Note
There is no evidence that West Nile Virus spreads directly from birds to humans through casual contact. However, residents should always avoid handling dead birds with bare hands and wash thoroughly after handling.

“Each new case of West Nile virus reminds us that mosquito borne viruses are an active threat to health in our community,” said Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Kathryn Anderson. “Dead bird testing, mosquito surveillance, and our ongoing partnership with the Thangamani Lab at Upstate are critical tools in protecting local public health. We’re grateful to residents who participate in this surveillance system—by reporting and submitting dead birds for testing, they help us detect virus activity early and take action to protect the entire community.”

“The collaboration between Upstate Medical University and the Onondaga County Health Department strengthens our ability to monitor the emergence of mosquito- and tick-borne diseases. By combining community participation with advanced laboratory testing, we are building a stronger early warning system to protect public health,” added Dr. Thangamani.

Mosquito Bite Prevention
Residents are also reminded to take simple steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites, which can transmit viruses to humans:
• Use insect repellent that is EPA-registered and contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.
• Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Eliminate standing water around your home, such as in buckets, flowerpots, bird baths, and gutters, where mosquitoes can breed.
• Keep mosquitoes out of your home by repairing or installing window and door screens.

For more information about mosquito-borne diseases and dead bird surveillance, visit our website or call 315-435-1649.

Weather Favorable for Mosquito Spraying Planned for the Cicero Swamp

UPDATE: The aerial spraying of Cicero Swamp and the immediate surrounding areas was completed as planned.
_________________________________________________

ONONDAGA COUNTY, AUGUST 4, 2025 – Current weather conditions are suitable for this evening’s aerial mosquito spraying of the Cicero Swamp and the immediate surrounding areas, provided there is no sudden drop in visibility due to wildfire smoke. The spraying is planned to take place after 6:30pm.

Please see the original announcement at healthnews.ongov.net/spraying-of-cicero-swamp-planned-8-1-25/ which contains pesticide information and recommended preparations for those who live in the spray area.

Additional Mosquito Pools Found Positive for EEEV and WNV, Spraying of Cicero Swamp Planned

ONONDAGA COUNTY, AUGUST 1, 2025 – The Onondaga County Health Department was notified that additional mosquitoes collected from traps located in the Cicero Swamp area in the town of Cicero tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and West Nile virus (WNV). On July 29, the Health Department received confirmation that mosquitoes from traps located on Island Road and East Taft Road tested positive for EEEV and WNV, and mosquitoes from a trap on Route 298 tested positive for EEE. EEE and WNV had been detected previously in the Cicero Swap area as announced on July 16, 2025.

As temperatures remain warm, so will the threat of mosquito bites that can transmit disease. The Onondaga County Health Department urges residents to use personal protection measures when spending time outdoors.

The Onondaga County Health Department is making plans to conduct aerial spraying of the Cicero Swamp and immediate surrounding areas. This proactive measure is an attempt to interrupt the mosquito breeding cycles. Reducing the number of mosquitoes (although it is temporary) can reduce the number of mosquitoes available to transmit the virus to humans.

The spraying is scheduled to take place on Monday, August 4, 2025, after 6:30pm, weather permitting. If weather or wind conditions are unfavorable on Monday, the spraying will be conducted on the next appropriate day and will be announced through local news, social media, and other communication channels. Residents in the spray areas will be notified by phone through the 911 emergency notification system.

The designated spray areas are generally bounded on the north by Route 31, on the west by Northern Boulevard, on the south by Taft Road, and on the east by the county line (Chittenango Creek). Roads included in this area are: all or parts of Route 298, Bull Street, Eastwood Road, Island Road, Cicero Center Road, Fergerson Road, Ferstler Road, and Oxbow Road. To view a map of the spraying area, visit: www.ongov.net/health/documents/SprayMapCicero.pdf.

The pesticide that will be used for aerial spraying is Kontrol 30-30. This pesticide is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Division of Environmental Conservation for this use. A copy of the pesticide label can be found on the Onondaga County Health Department website. A written copy of the label can be provided by calling 315-435-1649.

If you live in the spray area, from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm on the day of the scheduled spraying, it is recommended that you:

  • Refrain from using any flying camera drones, model aircraft or similar aerial flying products.
  • Stay indoors and keep your windows closed for one hour after the area has been sprayed.
  • Keep your pets indoors if possible.
  • Set your window air conditioners to circulate indoor air. It is safe to use your central air conditioning.
  • Keep outdoor gardens covered and rinse vegetables before eating.
  • Be sure children’s toys, outdoor furniture, and clothes on outdoor clotheslines are brought inside. If toys or clothes are left outdoors, wash each thoroughly with soap and water before using and launder clothes before wearing them.
  • Close your car windows and car vents if you are driving during the spraying.

Onondaga County residents who would like to receive community alerts by wireless phones, text messages, and/or TTY may register for the Hyper-Reach Emergency Notification System through the Department of Emergency Communications—911 Center at https://onondaga.gov/911/notification/. Landlines are already included in the 911 emergency notification system.

For more information about viruses carried by mosquitoes, aerial spraying, and protecting yourself from mosquito bites, visit https://onondaga.gov/health-env/mosquitoes/ or call the Onondaga County Health Department at 315.435.1649.

Reality Check Youth Program: A Year in Review

TOBACCO-FREE CNY, JULY 24, 2025 –  Reality Check, the Tobacco-Free CNY youth program led by the Onondaga County Health Department, has worked hard throughout the school year to combat current tobacco issues. Many students have worked this year to stand up to Big Tobacco and dedicate their time to making their communities healthier and safer places.

Reality Check is a statewide youth-led program that aims to empower young people to become community leaders and expose the manipulative and deceptive marketing tactics of the tobacco industry. Across the state, small groups meet regularly with adult coordinators to learn about the harms of tobacco and plan out the work they will do in the community. Reality Check focuses on educating New Yorkers about the benefits of tobacco-free outdoor policies, tobacco-free workplace policies, smoke-free multi-unit housing policies, and the negative impacts that tobacco has on the environment.

Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, youth from 3 different school districts made great impacts in their communities through their involvement with Reality Check. As the school year comes to an end, we would like to highlight their accomplishments throughout the year!

Central Region Youth Summit – January 2025
Four youth from Baldwinsville Central School District, Liverpool High School, and the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central attended the Central Region Youth Summit. This event is an opportunity for Reality Check youth from Central New York to meet up, get to know each other, share their experiences, and learn together as a group. This year, we met up at WonderWorks in Destiny USA where the youth participated in team building activities and prepared for speaking to legislators during legislative visits planned for February. This was a great event that gave our youth an opportunity to connect with others that share their passion, as well as prepare for Legislative Education Day.
 

Legislative Education Day – February 2025
Every year in February, Reality Check youth and coordinators gather in Albany for an event known as Legislative Education Day (LED). This day gives youth the opportunity to meet with legislators and their staff and discuss with them current issues regarding tobacco and how it impacts the areas that they serve. This year, we had six youth make the trip to Albany and attend five legislative visits throughout the day. They did a great job educating legislators and their staff on how tobacco companies market their products to youth and the LGBTQ+ community, make new products to attract youth use, and how smoking in movies can make kids more likely to smoke.
 

Smoke-Free Movie Event – March 2025
The beginning of March marks award season for Hollywood. With that, it also brings attention to the impact of movies that contain dangerous tobacco imagery on youth tobacco use rates.  This year, 9 out of 10 movies nominated for Best Picture contained smoking. When children see smoking in films, they are twice as likely to start smoking themselves, and over 21 million youth have been exposed to tobacco on screen. To combat the harms of this, our Reality Check youth hosted a smoke-free movie event at Regal Cinemas. The public was invited to see a free showing of “IF” preceded by interactive games, tobacco education, and speeches from our Reality Check members. Our youth did a great job speaking to their community and hosting a great event!
   

Take Down Tobacco Day – April 2025
Take Down Tobacco Day occurs on April 1st every year to highlight the harms of tobacco use and encourage people to stand up against the tobacco industry. Our Reality Check members discussed with their classmates the harms of smoking and how the tobacco industry targets youth through their marketing strategies. They then wrote down why they choose to #TakeDownTobacco and posted them on the wall to share with everyone. Our members shared their messages and communicated with their teachers and classmates the importance of taking down the tobacco industry.
   

Other Events & Activities – April to June 2025
In addition to planned events and travel around the state, our Reality Check groups continue their hard work in their own communities throughout the year. All three Reality Check groups from Onondaga County participated in chalk-the-walks where they shared important messaging about tobacco, vapes, marketing to youth, and more with their schools. They drew images and facts in chalk outside their schools in the hopes of spreading awareness of tobacco-related issues and to encourage people not to use tobacco products. Our youth have also done tobacco litter cleanups to rid their communities of harmful tobacco litter, tabled at a Syracuse Mets game to educate others on the harms of tobacco on Cancer Survivors Night, and attended the Syracuse Pride Parade. We are proud of all of our Reality Check members that have dedicated their time and energy this school year to make their communities healthier places to live.
         

Looking forward, our youth are continuing their work through the summer and are excited to host a Tobacco-Free Chalk Art Contest in collaboration with the Syracuse Art Trail and CNY Arts! This is a free event for all attendees, including participating artists. On July 26th from 11 am – 5 pm, please join us at the Everson Museum Plaza for a day filled with art, education, and fun. All registered artists receive a free t-shirt, water bottle, snack, and youth artists will be provided all art materials. Throughout the event there will be live musical performances from local artists, interactive art such as face painting, and a wellness fair with local health programs. If you would like to be a chalk artist, please register here: https://RCchalkartcontest.eventbrite.com.

For more information on Reality Check or Tobacco-Free CNY, visit tobaccofreecny.org.

Tobacco-Free Chalk Art Contest Hosted by Reality Check on Saturday, July 26, 2025

LOCAL YOUTH HOST CHALK ART CONTEST AND WELLNESS FAIR TO SUPPORT THEIR COMMUNITY AND HIGHLIGHT HARMS OF TOBACCO
Great photo, video, and interview opportunities

CONTACT: Camryn Chaffee, 315-435-3280 ext. 4607, CamrynChaffee@ongov.net

WHO: Reality Check youth from Onondaga, Cortland, Tompkins, and Chenango counties will volunteer and participate in the tobacco-free chalk art contest to educate and support their community. The Chalk Art Contest is proud to be part of the 2025 Syracuse Art Trail.

WHAT:

  • Event Kick-Off: Contest begins at 11am and all artists will begin their artwork. Kickoff address will be given by Reality Check youth and coordinators. There will be a photo op area set up.
  • Live Music: 2 – 2:45 pm
  • Contest Winners Announced: 4pm.

*More performers and additional timeline events to be added

WHERE:  Community Plaza of Everson Museum; 401 Harrison Street, Syracuse, NY 13202

WHEN:   Saturday, July 26th from 11 am to 5pm

LOCAL YOUTH HOST CHALK ART CONTEST AND WELLNESS FAIR TO HIGHLIGHT HARMS OF TOBACCO AND SUPPORT THEIR COMMUNITY
Reality Check youth from across Central New York are hosting a Tobacco-Free Chalk Art Contest at the Everson Museum Plaza on Saturday, July 26th. As part of CNY Art’s Syracuse Art Trail, both youth and adult artists can register to participate for free and show their artistic talents through chalk, while also portraying important tobacco messaging to the community. The art will be judged based on technique and creativity, as well as the ability of the artists to portray tobacco-free messaging through their art. Prizes will be awarded for the top three chalk art pieces in each age category, including free art classes and tickets to the Everson Museum. This event will also feature a wellness event with community providers from multiple counties, including Onondaga County Health Department programs and other non-profits that serve the community. There will be raffles and free art activities for all community attendees.

Live music performers are scheduled during the event, as well as artists showcasing their skills including face painting and other interactive arts with the community. All are welcome to join in on the fun at the Everson Museum Plaza on July 26th.

Reality Check is a statewide youth organization that focuses on engaging and empowering youth to stand up to the manipulative tobacco industry and create positive change within their communities. You can visit TobaccoFreeCNY.orgor RealityCheckofNY.com for more information.

Onondaga County Reports First Human Case of West Nile Virus Since 2019; First Finding of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus in Mosquitoes this Season

ONONDAGA COUNTY, JULY 16, 2025 – Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Kathryn Anderson announced today that the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) infection since 2019 has been reported in an elderly adult residing in the Town of Cicero. The individual was hospitalized, has since been discharged, and is currently recovering. Additionally, Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) was detected in mosquitoes collected from a mosquito trap located on East Taft Road in the Town of Cicero through the Onondaga County Health Department’s mosquito surveillance program.

West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalitis viruses are transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito and are considered endemic in Central New York. “Based on historical patterns, we should assume West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and other mosquito-borne viruses are regularly present in our region,” said Dr. Anderson. “It’s important to take routine precautions against mosquito bites throughout the summer, particularly given the elevated mosquito activity we’ve seen so far this year in our surveillance program.”

Signs and Symptoms
Most people don’t get sick or have only mild symptoms after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Signs and symptoms vary depending on the mosquito-borne disease. Signs and symptoms may include:

  • fever
  • headache
  • neck pain
  • muscle pain
  • joint pain
  • rash
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea

Rarely, mosquito-borne diseases can cause serious problems, such as encephalitis, a swelling of the brain.

Personal Protection Measures 

  • Use this EPA search tool to help you choose the repellent product that is right for you, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on proper use for safety and effectiveness. Ideally, choose a repellent with 20% picaridin or 10%–30% concentration of DEET (look for N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide on the label). The higher the concentration of DEET, the longer it lasts. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that repellents should contain no more than 30% DEET when used on children. Repellent should not be used on babies younger than 2 months old.
  • Mosquito repellent diffusers repel mosquitoes in the air and can be quite effective at reducing the number of mosquitoes in your immediate area.  Diffusers, alone or in combination with repellants applied to the skin, may offer additional protection.
  • Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing, and camping gear and remain protective through several washings. Alternatively, you can buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
  • Mosquito-proof your home by replacing or repairing broken screens and getting rid of standing water where mosquitoes breed 


Remove Standing Water from Your Property
It is extremely important to remove mosquito breeding grounds by eliminating any standing water that may have collected on your property: 

  • Throw away outdoor containers, ceramic pots, or containers that hold water
  • Remove all tires from your property
  • Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors
  • Clean clogged rain gutters and make sure they continue to work properly
  • Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use
  • Change water in birdbaths at least every four days
  • Clear vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds
  • Clean and properly maintain swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs
  • Drain water from pool covers
  • Use landscaping to eliminate low spots where standing water accumulates

In response to this human case of WNV, the Onondaga County Health Department is conducting additional mosquito surveillance. The Health Department maintains ongoing coordination with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) to monitor conditions. Any future spraying decisions will be based on multiple factors, including mosquito surveillance data and the number of mosquitoes detected in monitoring traps, with guidance from NYSDOH and NYSDEC. 

For weekly mosquito pool test results and for more information about personal protection measures against mosquitoes, visit onondaga.gov/health-env/mosquitoes/  or contact the Onondaga County Health Department’s Division of Environmental Health at 315. 435.1649. 

Jamesville Beach Closed for Swimming Due to Visual Presence of Algal Bloom 

ONONDAGA COUNTY, JULY 10, 2025 – The Onondaga County Health Department announced today that Jamesville Beach located in the Town of LaFayette is closed for swimming due to the visual presence of an algal bloom. Water sampling will be conducted to confirm there are no toxins before the beach is reopened. Please note that this does not affect the park’s other amenities during normal hours of operation

Algal blooms can turn the water green and can form thick surface scums on the water. Certain types of algae can release toxins that may cause skin or eye irritation, or diarrhea and vomiting if ingested. People and animals should keep out of the water where algal blooms are present in any body of water.

The Health Department recommends taking the following precautions:

  • Don’t swim, wade, boat, or fish near blooms or scums and don’t eat fish caught from waters with blooms
  • Don’t drink the water
  • Keep children and animals away from any blooms or scums
  • Rinse with clean water if exposed

To learn more about blue-green algae visit:

While Jamesville Beach is closed, the public can enjoy the Oneida Shores Beach in Brewerton which is open Monday-Thursday, 12-6pm; Friday-Sunday, 11-6pm.

FOR FUTURE UPDATES on testing and closure status of Onondaga County Parks beaches please visit www.onondagacountyparks.com/about/water-quality-testing/ or call the Division of Environmental Health at 315.435.6617.

Tell Us What You Think About the Health of Our Community

ONONDAGA COUNTY, JUNE 4, 2025 – The Onondaga County Health Department, in partnership with Crouse Health, St. Joseph’s Health, and Upstate University Hospital is preparing a Community Health Assessment and wants to learn more about what people in our community think about health.

You can take a Community Health Survey to share your thoughts. The survey asks questions about what health issues you think are most important and what could be done to improve health in your community. Your answers will help the Health Department and local hospitals decide what to work on and how to make our community a healthier place for everyone.

Let Your Voice Be Heard!

  • You know what your community needs.
  • Your ideas can help improve local health programs.
  • Participation in the survey is voluntary and responses are confidential.
  • As a thank you, participants can enter to win a $200 VISA gift card!
  • The survey is open until July 15, 2025.

The 2025 Community Health Survey is now available online at ongov.net/health

 

Unmasking the Appeal: Tobacco-Free CNY Recognizes World No Tobacco Day

TOBACCO-FREE CNY, MAY 30, 2025 –  This year, Tobacco-Free CNY recognizes World No Tobacco Day on May 31st with the theme selected by the World Health Organization (WHO), “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.” World No Tobacco Day is a day set aside each year to focus on educating on the tactics used by the tobacco industry to make their harmful products seem attractive.

The attractiveness of tobacco, nicotine and related products, particularly to young audiences, remains one of the primary public health challenges. The tobacco industry uses flavors to make these products more appealing to youth and to mask the harshness of tobacco. Other tactics that are used include: glamorized marketing with sleek designs and colors promoted through digital media; deceptive designs used to mimic candies or sweets or by using the likeness of popular cartoon characters; and using coolants and additives to make their products easier to use, in hopes of leading to continued use and reducing the chance of quitting. All of these tactics increase the chance of early initiation of smoking, and potentially a lifelong addiction and serious health consequences.

Policy change is the most effective way to counter these strategies. By reducing access to flavors and setting restrictions on tobacco advertising seen in communities, we can work towards a healthier, tobacco-free future. World No Tobacco Day provides an opportunity for municipalities, employers, and property managers to reevaluate and strengthen their current tobacco policies. The Tobacco-Free CNY program, serving Onondaga, Oswego and Cayuga Counties, assists community partners with the creation and implementation of tobacco-free policies.

By unmasking the strategies used by tobacco companies, we hope to shed light on the ways the industry markets addiction. For more information Tobacco-Free CNY programs, please visit our website at tobaccofreecny.org or call (315) 435-3280. For help with quitting, please call the New York State Quitline at 1-866-697-8487 or visit nysmokefree.com for more information.