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 that “EEE is a rare but serious disease that is caused by a virus ​transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito, therefore it is extremely important that residents use personal protection measures to reduce their risk of mosquito bites”

The Onondaga County Health Department is making plans to conduct aerial spraying of the Cicero Swamp and immediate surrounding areas pending approval from the New York State Department of Health. Gupta explains, “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 timing of the spraying will be determined by weather conditions and other factors, and the actual date will be announced to the public through local news, social media, and other communication channels. Residents in the spray areas will also be notified by phone through the 911 emergency notification system–existing landlines with active service are already registered to receive emergency notifications through the system. Cellular and some VoIP phones are not in the system database. If you would like to be contacted on your cellular or VoIP line to receive emergency notifications in your area, you must self-register on the system at ongov.net/911/notification.html

The Onondaga County Health Department remains in close contact with the New York State Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation. For more information about personal protection measures against mosquitoes, visit www.ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html. For future mosquito pool test results, please see the data available at https://www.ongov.net/health/env/documents/MosquitoData.pdf.

For more information or contact the Onondaga County Health Department’s Division of Environmental Health at 315. 435.1649.

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 that can be cured with antibiotics if detected early. Syphilis may not cause symptoms initially but will result in very serious illness if left undiagnosed and untreated.” Gupta urged, “It is important to get tested and treated. The earlier you are diagnosed and start your treatment, the less likely you are to spread syphilis to your partners.”

Most of the increase in new syphilis diagnoses is among non-Hispanic Black and Caucasian men aged 16 – 69 with a history of male to male sexual contact. The most prevalent age group is those in their mid-thirties. There has also been a spike in concurrent HIV diagnoses with syphilis and gonorrhea. The number of women diagnosed with syphilis has been on the rise in recent years as well.

Syphilis is spread through direct contact with a syphilis sore (chancre), usually during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Close skin-to-skin contact even with a condom may still result in syphilis since the condom may not fully cover exposed areas. It can also be spread through kissing if there are syphilis sores in the mouth or on the lips. A pregnant woman with syphilis can spread it to her unborn baby, which can cause serious health problems and even death of the baby. If you are pregnant be sure to get tested.

Signs of syphilis can include a painless sore or ulcer in the mouth or genital areas, and generalized illness with fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and rash. More serious signs of syphilis can include meningitis or eye infections.

The only way to know if you have syphilis is to get tested. Testing is recommended for all the following people:

  1. Men who have sex with men outside of a monogamous relationship
  2. People living with HIV
  3. Pregnant women
  4. People who engage in commercial sex work
  5. People who have anonymous sex partners, including through dating apps
  6. People attending sexually transmitted disease clinics
  7. Men less than age 25 who have been incarcerated in the last year

It is important for those with syphilis, and their partners, to be tested and treated immediately to avoid long-term complications. Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed should call their healthcare provider. If you do not have a healthcare provider, the Onondaga County Health Department’s STD Center can provide testing and treatment.  Appointments are required, please call 315.435.3236.

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 Lysander were negative. The Onondaga County Health Department’s mosquito surveillance and control program will continue to trap and monitor throughout the county.

Dr. Gupta reminds residents that, “It is extremely important that people use personal protection measures to reduce their risk of being bitten by mosquitoes while spending time outdoors this fall season until the first heavy frost.”

For future mosquito pool test results, please see the data available at https://www.ongov.net/health/env/documents/MosquitoData.pdf.

The Onondaga County Health Department remains in close contact with the New York State Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation. For more information about personal protection measures against mosquitoes, visit www.ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html  or contact the Onondaga County Health Department’s Division of Environmental Health at 315. 435.1649.

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 https://www.ongov.net/health/env/documents/SprayMapLysander.pdf.

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 Village of Elbridge, and the Village of Jordan. Although low levels of toxin continue to be found in untreated drinking water, the treated water shows no indication of toxin.

The New York State Department of Health has advised the City of Syracuse that sampling is not necessary over the weekend since the algal blooms have dissipated. The City will continue to visually monitor the lake for the presence of blooms over the weekend and routine water sampling will start again on Monday.

The Onondaga County Health Department reminds residents to NEVER drink untreated surface water, whether or not harmful algal blooms are present. Residents who draw water directly from the lake through near-shore PRIVATE INTAKES should take the following precautions:

  • DO NOT USE the water for potable purposes such as drinking, making infant formula, making ice, brushing teeth, preparing food, or washing dishes, or for pets.
  • If either algae blooms or scums are present in the vicinity of your water intake, do not use the water for bathing.

To be clear, these recommendations apply only to residents with private intakes; in-home treatments such as boiling, disinfecting water with chlorine or ultraviolet radiation (UV), and water filtration units do not remove the toxins associated with harmful algal blooms.

Learn more about blue-green algae:

 

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 drinking water supply.  Small shoreline algal blooms have been confirmed on the lake this week. Samples of both raw and treated drinking water are being tested now and the community will be informed of the results. Enhanced monitoring through daily testing will continue until all samples consistently return to non-detectable results.

The Onondaga County Health Department reminds residents to NEVER drink untreated surface water, whether or not harmful algal blooms are present. Residents who draw water directly from the lake through near-shore PRIVATE INTAKES should take the following precautions:

  • DO NOT USE the water for potable purposes such as drinking, making infant formula, making ice, brushing teeth, preparing food, or washing dishes, or for pets.
  • If either algae blooms or scums are present in the vicinity of your water intake, do not use the water for bathing.

To be clear, these recommendations apply only to residents with private intakes; in-home treatments such as boiling, disinfecting water with chlorine or ultraviolet radiation (UV), and water filtration units do not remove the toxins associated with harmful algal blooms.

The Health Department recommends taking the following additional precautions:

  • Do not swim, wade, or fish near algae blooms or surface scums
  • Do not let dogs wade, drink the water, or walk on algae-contaminated shoreline debris
  • Rinse yourself and pets with clean water if exposed to algae
  • Anyone who experiences skin or eye irritation or gastrointestinal illness should contact their health care provider.

Learn more about blue-green algae:

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 important that people use personal protection measures to reduce their risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.”

There have been no virus findings in mosquito surveillance traps in the area where the horse was located, however, due to the death of the horse the Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) will be intensifying trapping in this area and is planning to conduct truck spraying. The spraying will take place on Monday, September 20 after 7:00 pm, weather permitting. The product used will be Anvil 10+10 ULV and a label can be found at https://www.ongov.net/health/documents/AnvilProductLabel.pdf A written copy of the label can be provided by calling 315.435.1649.

This proactive measure is done in an attempt to interrupt the virus cycle in the mosquito population. If weather or wind conditions are unfavorable, the spraying will be conducted on the next appropriate day. Residents in the spray areas will be also notified by phone through the 911 emergency notification system. A map of the spray area is available at https://www.ongov.net/health/env/documents/SprayMapLysander.pdf.

If you live in the spray area, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm on the day of the scheduled spraying, it is recommended that you:

  • 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.

This season OCHD reported one finding of WNV, in a mosquito pool from a trap located near the Cicero Swamp on August 25. There have been no findings of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus in Onondaga County this year. As a whole, numbers of mosquitoes in the surveillance traps remain average for the season, however, the recent heavy rains and heat have resulted in the mosquito population being higher than usual for this time of year.

West Nile Virus
Most people who are infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. One in five people with mild cases may develop fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, or rash. People with severe illness usually have a high fever, sudden headache, neck stiffness, altered mental status, inflammation of the brain or membrane of the spinal cord (encephalitis or meningitis). People at greatest risk of developing severe disease are those over 60 years of age and people with certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, or who have received organ transplants.

Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites
This finding of WNV in a horse serves as a reminder for all residents that the virus is present and to be consistent in protecting yourself and your family from mosquito bites no matter where you live.

Personal protection is recommended during outdoor activities by wearing shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outside for a long period of time. Use insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and other products that have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on proper use for safety and effectiveness. Insect repellents should be applied only to intact skin or over clothing. Do NOT apply DEET or Picaridin directly onto children’s skin—apply to your own hands and then put it on the child. Repellent should never be used on babies younger than 2 months old.

Given the significant amount of rainfall in Onondaga County recently, 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 chlorinated swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs
  • Drain water from pool covers
  • Use landscaping to eliminate low spots where standing water accumulates

The Onondaga County Health Department remains in close contact with the New York State Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation. For the weekly mosquito pool test results and for more information about personal protection measures against mosquitoes, visit www.ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html or contact the Onondaga County Health Department’s Division of Environmental Health at 315. 435.1649.

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

Ali Kareem honored for his commitment to the fight against Big Tobacco

Award Presentation

Pictured: Karyn Johnson, County Executive Ryan McMahon, Ali Kareem, and Dr. Indu Gupta

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 Reality Check Youth Ambassador of the Year Award. Reality Check, an initiative of Tobacco-Free CNY, is a statewide youth-led movement aimed at creating the first tobacco-free generation.

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “We are so pleased to honor Ali Kareem’s dedication to the health of our community, especially his generation, who will become the leaders of tomorrow.” McMahon continued, “Congratulations to Ali, and thank you for your commitment to making Onondaga County and Central New York a healthier place to live, work, and play.”

Health Commissioner Indu Gupta said, “This award honors the outstanding work of young leaders in countering the tobacco industry’s deceptive and manipulative marketing tactics in communities across New York State. We are proud of Ali and his efforts to foster environments supportive of tobacco-free norms through public education efforts, mobilizing their peers, and educational outreach to decision-makers.”

Kareem’s accomplishments include planning and carrying out activities and events in the Central New York region to raise awareness about the negative impact of tobacco and what youth, other community members, and elected leaders can do to help prevent youth initiation of tobacco use. As part of these activities, he has traveled to Albany to meet with state legislators to raise awareness of the manipulative and deceptive marketing practices of the tobacco industry and what can be done to fight against this. Kareem has been particularly passionate about educating his peers and community about tobacco marketing in movies and marketing targeting youth at the point of sale in his community.

Karyn Johnson, Program Coordinator for the Tobacco-Free CNY program, said, “Ali is an outstanding young leader who continues to make a difference in his school and within his community.” Johnson continued, “He has shown tremendous dedication and commitment to Reality Check, even attending weekly virtual meetings and participating in virtual activities and events since the start of the pandemic.  His work to make his community a healthier place to live has been an inspiration to his peers.”

Reality Check of New York is a youth-led movement in New York State that empowers youth to become leaders in their communities in exposing what they see as the manipulative and deceptive marketing tactics of the tobacco industry. The organization’s members produce change in their communities through grassroots mobilization and education. Visit realitycheckofny.com for more information.

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 County. Dr. Indu Gupta, Onondaga County Commissioner of Health explained that “efforts to stop the opioid crisis are more vital than ever, as the pandemic has exacerbated risk factors such as high unemployment rates, social isolation, and despair, as well as the disruption of available treatment and harm reduction support services that individuals with substance use may depend on.”

Observed on August 31st every year, International Overdose Awareness Day seeks to create a better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use. Locally, the Onondaga County Health Department has partnered for the second year in a row with Prevention Network for an Overdose Awareness Day event on Tuesday, August 31st.  There will be drive-thru naloxone training, fentanyl testing strips, educational materials, and more. The event will take place in the Prevention Network parking lot at 906 Spencer Street, Syracuse from 3:00 to 7: 00 pm. This event is open to the public and free of charge.

Dr. Gupta urged that “addressing opioid use and overdose is an urgent public health priority, and making potentially lifesaving treatments more readily available is an important way to address this crisis.” Naloxone remains the most powerful tool in preventing opioid overdose deaths and is a safe medication that counteracts the effects of an opioid overdose. Dr. Gupta continued, “This is a vital component of the three-pronged approach taken by the Onondaga County Health Department to address the opioid epidemic.” The approach includes the following:

  1. Preventing substance use disorders by ensuring safe drug disposal, implementing appropriate prescribing practices, increasing community awareness of the opioid crisis, and reducing the stigma associated with substance use disorders.
  2. Treating substance use disorders by providing timely access to treatment and recovery options, along with appropriate linkages to follow-up care.
  3. Reversing opioid overdoses through the effective distribution and use of naloxone, and ensuring long-term supports for people pursuing recovery.”

Each of these strategies is a vital component of reversing the opioid crisis. If you are unable to attend the event on August 31st and would like to take a virtual training please visit www.ongov.net/health/opioids/NaloxoneTraining.html to see available training options community-wide.

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 bite of an infected mosquito; therefore it is extremely important that people use personal protection measures to reduce their risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.” This is the first positive finding of WNV in mosquitoes in Onondaga County since 2019.

West Nile Virus
Most people who are infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. One in five people with mild cases may develop fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, or rash. People with severe illness usually have a high fever, sudden headache, neck stiffness, altered mental status, inflammation of the brain or membrane of the spinal cord (encephalitis or meningitis). People at greatest risk of developing severe disease are those over 60 years of age and people with certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, or who have received organ transplants.

Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites
This first positive finding of WNV in mosquitoes serves as a reminder for all residents that the virus is present and to be consistent in protecting yourself and your family from mosquito bites no matter where you live.

Personal protection is recommended during outdoor activities by wearing shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outside for a long period of time. Use insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and other products that have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on proper use for safety and effectiveness. Insect repellents should be applied only to intact skin or over clothing. Do NOT apply DEET or Picaridin directly onto children’s skin—apply to your own hands and then put it on the child. Repellent should never be used on babies younger than 2 months old.

Given the significant amount of rainfall in Onondaga County recently, 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 chlorinated swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs
  • Drain water from pool covers
  • Use landscaping to eliminate low spots where standing water accumulates

The Onondaga County Health Department remains in close contact with the New York State Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation. For the weekly mosquito pool test results and for more information about personal protection measures against mosquitoes, visit www.ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html or contact the Onondaga County Health Department’s Division of Environmental Health at 315. 435.1649.