Onondaga County Health Department Identifies New Cases of Mpox

ONONDAGA COUNTY, MAY 22, 2025 — The Onondaga County Health Department has identified several cases of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in our community. All individuals are recovering at home, and contact tracing is underway to help prevent further spread.

Mpox is a rare but potentially serious illness caused by a virus similar to smallpox, though typically less severe. It spreads through close, often skin-to-skin contact, including during sexual activity, direct contact with rashes or body fluids, and through contaminated items like clothing or bedding. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are at the highest risk of infection.

“We understand that hearing about mpox cases in our community may cause concern,” said Dr. Kathryn Anderson, Onondaga County Health Commissioner. “However, mpox does not spread easily from person to person, and there are steps everyone can take to protect themselves.”

 How to Lower Your Risk:

  • Avoid close contact with people who have a new or unexplained rash or flu-like symptoms.
  • Do not share personal items like towels, bedding, or clothing.
  • Practice safer sex, including reducing your number of sexual partners and using condoms.  Make a habit of exchanging contact information with sex partners to allow for sexual health follow up when needed.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
  • Consider vaccination if you are at higher risk. Mpox vaccines are available and effective. Contact your healthcare provider, local pharmacy, or the health department to learn more.

Mpox symptoms typically include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive rash. If you think you may have symptoms or have been exposed, call your healthcare provider and avoid close contact with others until you’ve been evaluated.  Make sure that you share with your provider your concern for mpox and why you think you may be at risk.

The Health Department continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as needed. For more information, visit www.ongov.net/health or call 315-435-3236.

Onondaga County Health Department Issues Health Alert Regarding Potential Increase in Ocular Syphilis Cases

ONONDAGA COUNTY, MAY 1, 2025 – The Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) is issuing a health alert to inform healthcare providers and the public about a potential increase in cases of ocular syphilis in Onondaga County. Ocular syphilis is an eye condition that can occur at any stage of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. If left untreated, it can cause serious and permanent vision loss.

Key Facts About Ocular Syphilis

  • Syphilis is on the rise: Rates of syphilis have been increasing across the United States and in Onondaga County, and this increase may be contributing to a rise in ocular syphilis cases.
  • Ocular syphilis can cause a range of symptoms, including:
    • Changes in vision (blurred vision, decreased vision, or blindness)
    • Eye pain
    • Redness of the eye
    • Sensitivity to light
    • Floaters or spots in vision
    • Uveitis (inflammation inside the eye)
  • Early detection and treatment are crucial: Prompt diagnosis and treatment with penicillin can prevent or minimize vision loss.
  • Risk factors: Individuals at increased risk for syphilis, and therefore ocular syphilis, include:
    • Men and women who engage in unprotected sexual activity
    • People with HIV or other conditions with decreased immune function
    • Men who have sex with men
    • People with multiple sexual partners
    • People using apps for anonymous sexual encounters
    • People who have sex while high on drugs or using alcohol
    • Syphilis occurs in babies, teens, and adults of any age (including seniors)

Call to Action for the Public
The Onondaga County Health Department advises the public to:

  • Practice safer sex: Use condoms consistently and correctly to reduce the risk of syphilis and other STIs.
  • Get tested: If you are sexually active, talk to your healthcare provider about regular STI testing, especially if you have risk factors for syphilis.
  • Get tested for HIV.  OCHD prescribes medication to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV (called HIV PrEP) and other STIs including chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis (called Doxy-PEP)-call (315) 435-3626 or walk in to the Sexual Wellness Center in at the John Mulroy Civic Center, 421 Montgomery Street, Syracuse, NY for low-cost or no-cost STI testing, prevention, and treatment.
  • Seek medical attention for symptoms: If you experience any changes in your vision or eye symptoms, seek prompt medical attention.
  • Inform partners: If you are diagnosed with syphilis, notify your sexual partners so they can get tested and treated.

Call to Action for Healthcare Providers
The Onondaga County Health Department urges healthcare providers to:

  • Be vigilant for ocular symptoms: Consider ocular syphilis in patients presenting with new or unexplained eye symptoms, even if they do not have other symptoms of syphilis.
  • Test appropriately: Perform syphilis serologic testing (treponemal testing and RPR) in patients with suspected ocular syphilis.
  • Consult an ophthalmologist: Promptly refer patients with suspected or confirmed ocular syphilis to an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye examination and co-management.
  • Treat promptly: Treat patients with ocular syphilis with the recommended course of intravenous penicillin.
  • Report cases: Report all confirmed cases of ocular syphilis to OCHD to help monitor the extent of the problem and facilitate public health response.

The Onondaga County Health Department is committed to protecting the health of our community. We are closely monitoring the situation and working with healthcare providers to ensure that ocular syphilis is promptly diagnosed and treated.

 

Eliminating Tobacco Waste on Earth Day

While progress has been made concerning secondhand smoke exposure and its impacts on air quality, tobacco use continues to threaten the environment. Cigarette butts are the most littered item around the world. Roughly 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are littered globally each year, equaling 766,570 metric tons. In addition, Americans throw out more than 5 disposable vapes every second. Tobacco products leech toxic chemicals into the environment when they are discarded on the ground. The nicotine, pesticide residues, and metals that seep from these products can enter waterways and harm both aquatic wildlife and humans.1

It can be difficult to properly discard disposable vapes, making them even more harmful to the environment. The lithium ion batteries can cause fires and explosions in trash cans, garbage trucks, and waste management facilities. The e-liquid within these devices contain high concentrations of nicotine that can spill and come in contact with the skin of waste management workers, leading to nicotine poisoning. Roughly 90% of young e-cigarette users do not properly get rid of their vapes through an e-waste facility.1

Tobacco also harms the environment through its growth and production. Growing tobacco requires about 9 Olympic-sized swimming pools worth of water and 600 million trees to be chopped down every year. Often times, tobacco is grown in countries that already struggle with a limited water supply. Between the extreme amount of water used and the pesticides added to the crops that leech into the watershed, these countries are left with an even scarcer water supply.2

As Earth Day just passed on April 22nd, now is the time to focus on protecting our environment from tobacco litter and waste. To join in on the efforts that began on Earth Day, rally together friends, family, neighbors, and community members, grab some trash bags, gloves, trash pickers, and any other supplies you may need, and clean up any tobacco litter that you can find in your community. If people work together to rid our environment of tobacco litter, we can improve the state of our environment and save wildlife. Our Reality Check youth conducted tobacco litter cleanups throughout Onondaga County while also educating their communities on the harms of tobacco on the environment. They were able to clean up large amount of litter as well as many tobacco litter items in their community as well! Please share with us if you join the effort to remove tobacco litter this spring!

 

For information on how to properly dispose of vapes and e-cigarette devices, visit:

Onondaga County: https://ocrra.org/how-do-i-get-rid-of/vaping-devices-e-cigarettes-vapes-vape-pens-etc/#:~:text=Vapes%20can%20be%20placed%20in,cost%20Household%20Hazardous%20Waste%20program

Oswego County: https://www.oswegocounty.com/departments/infrastructure_facilities_and_technology/solid_waste/hhw.php#:~:text=Residential%20Household%20Hazardous%20Waste,UNTIL%20SATURDAY%2C%20MAY%203%2C%202025

Cayuga County: https://www.cayugacounty.us/705/Household-Hazardous-Waste

1Tobacco and the environment. Truth Initiative. (n.d.). https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/harmful-effects-tobacco/tobacco-and-environment

2Tobacco’s environmental impact: CO2, plastics, and water use. STOP. (2025, February 20). https://exposetobacco.org/news/effects-of-tobacco-on-environment/

 

Additional Resources:

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Tobacco and its environmental impact: An overview. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/9789241512497

Smoking in Movies: Hollywood Addicting Youth

During awards season, the spotlight is on movies and shows that have caught the attention of millions, and all eyes are on the screen to see who comes out on top. Although this may seem like innocent fun, in reality these popular movies are exposing millions of youth to tobacco on screen.

Smoking remains the #1 cause of preventable death in the United States and kills more than 7 million people worldwide every year. To prevent death and disease from smoking, Tobacco-Free CNY is focused on reducing the number of new smokers, especially among youth. However, the movie industry continues to expose youth to tobacco imagery, and research has found that young people who see tobacco on screen are up to three times more likely to start vaping nicotine and two times more likely to use tobacco. The CDC even suggests that on-screen smoking could kill almost 2 million children and teens alive today.  Despite these demonstrated harms, tobacco imagery is still allowed in youth-rated films and there is no standard rating for smoking in films.

Giving an “R” rating to films with tobacco imagery could decrease youth smoking rates by about 18%. This could save the lives of millions of youth and prevent countless more from suffering from diseases due to smoking. Working to have more accurate ratings and parental warnings that include tobacco would allow parents to avoid exposing their children to tobacco use.

To learn more about smoking in films, you can read Truth Initiative’s report HERE.
Find out more about the harms of tobacco at our website, https://tobaccofreecny.org/
To learn about our upcoming events, follow us on Facebook @tobaccofreecny

Smoke-Free Movie Event
To raise awareness on the harms of smoking in youth-rated movies, Tobacco-Free CNY and Reality Check hosted a smoke-free movie event. On Saturday, March 22, youth from three Reality Check groups in Onondaga County hosted a free movie showing of “IF” at Regal Cinemas at Destiny USA. Almost 100 community members gathered at the event and were educated by the youth. They played games, answered trivia questions, took photos at the photo station, showed their support for smoke-free movies, and earned fun prizes.

Prior to the movie, four youth spoke to the crowd about what they have learned while in Reality Check. They educated the audience on the harms of smoking and vaping, how the tobacco industry markets their products to youth, how secondhand smoke is dangerous to non-smokers, and why smoking in movies is harmful. They did a great job delivering this important information to the audience and kicking off the start of the movie!

Colorectal Cancer Screening Begins at Age 45: Free Screening Tests Available

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, and close to 52,000 people die every year. National and New York State data show that 9 out of 10 of new colorectal cancer cases happen in adults aged 45 and older. The US Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society recommend that colorectal cancer screenings begin at age 45. People at higher risk may need to begin screening before age 45.

All people 45 and older should be screened for colorectal cancer. The FIT (fecal immunochemical test) Kit is a stool testing kit performed at-home or as part of a physical exam at your medical provider’s office that looks for blood in a person’s stool. A colonoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to view the inside of the entire colon to find and remove polyps in the colon or rectum. Other testing methods are available; talk to your doctor to determine which test is right for you and how often you should be screened.

Early detection saves lives. Colorectal cancer usually starts from precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum, which can develop into cancer over time. Sometimes polyps will bleed, and a person may notice blood in their stool. Other symptoms of colorectal cancer may include abdominal pain, bloating, or changes in bowel movement habits that doesn’t go away or unexplained weight loss. But it is important to remember that colorectal cancer does not always cause symptoms in its early stage. This is why having screening tests for colorectal cancer regularly is important to detect colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best. Colorectal cancer can be PREVENTED with regular screening and the removal of pre-cancerous polyps in the colon and/or rectum.

Free colorectal cancer screening tests are available. The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) offers free tests for people aged 45 and older who do not have health insurance. Take-home fecal tests, such as FIT Kits are an easy and effective way to get screened. If the FIT test comes back abnormal, a follow-up with a colonoscopy will be scheduled. Any follow-up procedures, including colonoscopies, will be covered at no cost to the patient. If diagnosed with colorectal cancer, CSP staff will assist with the Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program (MCTP) application process. Services are available at many healthcare provider sites throughout the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County.  Call 315-435-3653 or visit the CSP website to register for your free screening test.

Remember, if you are over 45 years old and do NOT have health insurance, call 315-435-3653 to see if you qualify for free colorectal cancer screening. Early detection of colorectal cancer saves lives. Take care of yourself and schedule your appointment today!

Local Onondaga County Reality Check Youth and Tobacco Control Representatives Take Tobacco Industry Fight to State Capitol

New Surgeon General’s Report highlights need for continued investment in tobacco control to reduce the appeal, availability and addictiveness of tobacco products 
#SavesLivesSavesMoney  #TobaccoIsStillTakingLives  #TobaccoControlProgram

Reality Check youth from Onondaga County traveled to the Legislative Office Building at the New York State Capitol on February 12, joining dozens of other youth from across the state to educate their legislators about tobacco and its harms. They met with Assemblymembers Al Stirpe, Pamela Hunter, and William Magnarelli, along with Senator Rachel May and staff members from each office. During these visits, the youth provided education on the harms of tobacco on the environment, the harms of menthol and its targeted marketing to specific populations, and how youth are affected by Big Tobacco’s marketing.

Rates of vaping among youth remain high, with nearly 1 in 5 young people using vapes. This was a particular area of interest for legislators and staff who frequently asked the youth about what they are seeing in school. Students were able to share their personal experiences about the prevalence of vaping in school including how vape products are obtained and used by youth. They did a great job educating their elected officials on what they see in their daily lives, as well as on the harmful effects of nicotine on the developing adolescent brain, and the tobacco industry’s successful marketing of vape products to young people in Central New York.

The students were able to meet with the other Reality Check youth members and coordinators from around the state during the Youth Ambassador of the Year Awards ceremony. This ceremony highlights exemplary work in standing up to the tobacco industry and demonstrating strong leadership skills. Legislators provided proclamations to the students that won these awards and gave speeches to the Reality Check youth. Our students were able to gain many skills from participating in Legislative Education Day and learn from this valuable experience.

The New York State Tobacco Control Program works to reduce tobacco-related illness, disability and death and to alleviate the social and economic burden caused by tobacco use in the state. Local tobacco control representatives funded by the NYS Dept. of Health include Advancing Tobacco-Free Communities and Health Systems for a Tobacco-Free New York. 

For help quitting smoking or vaping, including coaching, support and medication, the New York State Department of Health encourages all those who live in New York State to talk to a doctor or other healthcare professional and contact the New York State Quitline. The Quitline offers free, personalized and confidential services seven days a week by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487), visiting nysmokefree.com or texting either QUITNOW (English) or DÉJELO YA NY (Spanish) to 333888. Quit Coaches in English and Spanish (and additional translation by request) are available every day, starting at 9 a.m., to help participants develop a quit-plan and discuss triggers. Nearly all those ages 18 and older are eligible to receive a free starter supply of nicotine replacement therapy medications via mail, including nicotine patches, gum and/or lozenges. Additional self-help materials for download or mail delivery, online requests for medications or call-scheduling, and an online chat are just some of the many free tools available at nysmokefree.com.

Tobacco-Free Policies Offer Year-Round Protection and Benefits for the Community

TOBACCO-FREE CNY, JANUARY 6, 2025 – Tobacco-free policies offer many benefits to the community. These policies protect the public from the dangers of secondhand smoke, reduce the death and disease associated with smoking and secondhand smoke, protect the environment from tobacco waste, and promote a tobacco-free lifestyles.

At this time of year, many people engage in winter activities such as ice-skating or sledding at our local parks. Community members who spend time outdoors have a right to clean air without the presence of secondhand smoke. Smoke and secondhand smoke contain over 7,000 chemicals, including 70 that are known to cause cancer. Even in an outdoor setting, the presence of tobacco smoke and secondhand smoke can become equivalent to that of an indoor space. There is no safe level of secondhand smoke!

Making shared outdoor spaces smoke-free can reduce health risks for both adults and youth. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death, disease, and disability in the United States. Many health problems can arise from smoking and from even short exposure to secondhand smoke. In adults, the risk for cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, multiple forms of cancer, respiratory disease, and diabetes is higher in smokers compared to nonsmokers. Children exposed to secondhand smoke can experience immediate health effects such as respiratory and inflammatory effects, as well as long-term effects including respiratory infections, ear infections, and increased asthma attacks in children who have asthma. In infants, exposure can result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

In addition to the health risks, tobacco products have a harmful effect on our environment. Waste from tobacco products are packed full of toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and nicotine. When littered, these chemicals contaminate waterways, water sources, and land. Cigarette butts are the most common littered item in the United States and are often found in parks/playgrounds, sidewalks, beaches, roadways, and more. Policies to deter smoking can also help reduce tobacco waste in the environment.

To learn more about tobacco use and its impact on our communities, tobacco waste, and secondhand smoke, visit the Tobacco-Free CNY website at tobaccofreecny.org.

FREE Cervical Cancer Screening Tests; Reminder to Get Screened

ONONDAGA COUNTY, DECEMBER 31, 2024 – January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Unlike many cancers, cervical cancer can be prevented with the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and regular screening tests (Pap test and HPV test) and follow-up. Screening tests can find the cells that lead to cancer, and these cells can be removed before cancer starts. Screening tests can also find cancer early, when treatment may be most effective. Cervical cancer does not usually have symptoms in the beginning, which makes regular screening the key to finding it early.

Cervical cancer screening is recommended for people with a cervix between the ages of 21 to 65. FREE Pap and HPV tests are available through the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) for people with a cervix the ages of 40 to 64 who do not have health insurance or experience other barriers to completing their screenings along with any necessary follow-up testing. Services are available at many healthcare provider sites throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County. “People without health insurance are less likely to get cancer screenings. Cervical cancer is most often found in those who rarely get screened or have never been screened. Our program can help people without health insurance get screened,” said Dr. Kathryn Anderson, Onondaga County Commissioner of Health.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sexual activity. Usually, HPV will go away on its own, but when it doesn’t, cervical cancer can develop over time. The HPV vaccine can prevent infection from the nine most common types of HPV.  The vaccine is recommended for children at age 11 or 12, but can be given between 9 to 26 years of age. Adults between the ages of 27 to 45 who are not adequately vaccinated may benefit from the HPV vaccine. Check with your provider to determine if you should receive the vaccine. If you do not have insurance that covers the vaccine, please call 315-435-2000 for more information on the Onondaga County Immunization Clinic.

There are two tests that can find cervical cancer early. People aged 21-29 should be screened regularly with Pap tests every three years. Those aged 30 and older may be screened with both Pap and HPV testing every five years. Routine screenings are an important step to help find cervical cancer early.

Whether you have health insurance or not, having cervical cancer screening tests is important. Do not delay your screening. Talk to your doctor, and if you are between the ages of 40 to 64 and do NOT have health insurance, call the Cancer Services Program at 315-435-3653 or visit the CSP website at ongov.net/health/cancerscreening.html to see if you qualify for free cervical cancer screening tests. Take care of yourself and schedule your test today!

Onondaga County and City of Syracuse Announce Progress on Water Filter Distribution Effort and Upcoming Events

SYRACUSE, NY, NOVEMBER 27, 2024 – Onondaga County and the City of Syracuse are pleased to share an update on the successful launch of the water filter distribution program to households with pregnant women and children six and under routinely present. The program was implemented to address concerns about the potential presence of lead in drinking water in some older Syracuse homes due to lead service lines.

Over the first three days, the program prioritized distribution to families enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program to ensure immediate access for pregnant women and families with young children, who are most vulnerable to the effects of lead. Over 1,175 households received a filter in this initial stage of the program.

“We are thrilled with the strong participation we’ve seen in these first few days,” said Ryan McMahon, Onondaga County Executive. “By prioritizing families with the highest risk, we are ensuring that our youngest and most vulnerable residents are safeguarded.”

“We are meeting people where they are to ensure that eligible households have access to water filters as the latest sampling results are finalized,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. “I thank our partners at the Onondaga County Health Department for a successful first three days. We want to reach all eligible households, so we will continue collaborating with local organizations and the City School District to make distribution even more accessible.”

Upcoming Distribution Events
The next phase of the program will expand to families who are eligible to register for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Bureau. In addition, those with children in Pre-K through first grade in the Syracuse City School District will receive a filter through their school.

Continued Focus on Equity and Accessibility
This program is part of a comprehensive strategy to address lead exposure across the city. Filters are being distributed as data from water sampling conducted in the second half of 2024 is finalized.

“Lead exposure can have serious and lasting impacts on a child’s health,” said Dr. Kathryn Anderson, Onondaga County Health Commissioner. “While local and national data re-enforce that lead dust and lead paint are the primary causes of child lead exposure, exposure to all possible sources should be minimized. For those with lead service lines and lead pipes, running your water and using a water filter can decrease household exposure to lead in water. The Health Department is proud to partner with the City to provide access to filters and health education around this important issue.”

For more information about the City of Syracuse water initiatives, visit https://www.syr.gov/Departments/Water/Lead-Free-Syracuse.

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Contacts:
Onondaga County: HealthMedia@ongov.net
City of Syracuse: press@syr.gov

 

Boil Water Order Lifted for Residents in the Village of Jordan, Village of Elbridge, and Parts of the Town of Elbridge

The Onondaga County Health Department has lifted the Boil Water Order for residents and businesses in the Village of Jordan, Village of Elbridge, and parts of the Town of Elbridge. Laboratory results from water sampling over the weekend have confirmed that it is safe to resume drinking tap water.

For more information about the Boil Water Order, call the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 315-435-6600.