Adult Smoking Rates Decline in Central New York Counties

The Tobacco-Free CNY program of the Onondaga County Health Department reports that recently released data shows that smoking rates among adults have decreased in Onondaga, Oswego, and Cayuga counties. The New York State Department of Health recently announced that the current rate of adult smoking decreased from 17.2% to 12.0% in Onondaga County, 29.0% to 22.0% in Oswego County, and from 21.0% to 18.3% in Cayuga County.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta states, “Reducing tobacco use and eliminating secondhand smoke exposure are ways we can improve health and reduce tobacco-related death and disease.  I applaud the community for reducing tobacco use and celebrate the health benefits that are recognized when a person quits using tobacco.”

Tobacco-Free CNY celebrates this accomplishment of our community. The program has worked with various community partners throughout the Central New York region to implement tobacco-free policies in outdoor areas, reduce secondhand smoke exposure through smoke-free housing policies, encourage employers to adopt tobacco-free policies for their property grounds, and reduce tobacco marketing targeting youth. Tobacco-Free CNY also provides resources to help enforce these policies and spread awareness of the tobacco-free environment.

Rachael Russell, Public Health Educator for the Tobacco-Free CNY program, states “This is wonderful news, and we acknowledge the progress our community has made in reducing smoking rates.” Russell continued, “We also recognize that there is still work to be done. Tobacco continues to be a leading cause of preventable death in New York State, claiming the lives of 28,000 New York State residents every year.”

Tobacco-Free CNY continues to support the community in creating tobacco-free spaces to improve the health and wellness of Central New York. For more information on Tobacco-Free CNY, please visit our website at www.tobaccofreecny.org or call (315) 435-3280.

FREE Mammograms are Available

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Breast cancer is the most common cancer among United States women, no matter their race or ethnicity. Many things affect a person’s chance of getting breast cancer, these are called risk factors. Some risk factors cannot be controlled and include being a woman, getting older, having dense breasts, having radiation to the chest area early in life, family history, and genetics. However, the good news is that a physically active lifestyle can help to prevent cancer. It is important to see your health care provider for regular check-ups, eat healthy foods, get exercise, maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol use, and do not smoke.

Do not wait to get your mammogram. Routine mammogram screening at age 40 or older is an important step to help find breast cancer early. The current pandemic does not change the fact that one in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. Medical facilities continue to take extra steps to protect the health and safety of staff and patients. With early detection breast cancer is usually easier to treat and has better outcomes.

Most women (about 8 out of 10) who get breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.  However, women who have close blood relatives like a mother or sister who have had breast cancer are at a higher risk themselves.  About 5-10% of breast cancers are thought to be hereditary, meaning they result directly from gene defects passed on from a parent.  The most common cause of hereditary breast cancer is inherited defective BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

 Breast cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. If symptoms do appear, they may include the following:

  • a lump, thickening, or swelling in part of the breast or underarm area
  • new pain in one spot that does not go away
  • nipple discharge other than breastmilk, including blood
  • pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast
  • dimpling or puckering of the breast skin
  • any change in the size or shape of the breast
  • swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening of the breast skin
  • itchy, scaly sore, or rash on the nipple.

Free mammograms are available through the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) for women between the ages of 40 and 74 who do not have health insurance or who experience other barriers to completing their screenings, along with any necessary follow-up. Services are available at many healthcare provider sites throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County.

Whether you have health insurance or not, having a mammogram may save your life. If you are a woman between the ages of 40 and 74 and do NOT have health insurance, call 315-435-3653 or visit www.ongov.net/health/cancerscreening.html to see if you qualify for a free mammogram.

It’s Flu Season–Get Your Flu Vaccine as Soon as Possible!

Flu vaccine is widely available in Onondaga County

This fall, please remember to get your flu vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older receive an annual flu vaccine. Everyone should be vaccinated yearly because immunity to flu viruses declines over time and circulating flu strains often change from year to year.

Dr. Gupta receives her flu shot, administered by Wegmans Pharmacist Susan Sloane.

The return to in-person work and school and the less restrictive masking mandates compared to last flu season may result in an increase in flu activity during the 2021-2022 flu season.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Indu Gupta, explained, “Getting vaccinated against seasonal flu not only decreases your risk of catching the flu, but also decreases the severity of flu illness and lessens the risk of overwhelming hospitals which are coping with ongoing COVID-19 cases.” Gupta continued, “Everyone should get the flu vaccine to protect themselves, their family, and their community.”

Dr. Gupta further emphasized that the flu vaccine is especially important for those at high risk for complications from severe flu such as:

  • All children younger than 5 years old, especially those younger than 2 years old
  • Adults 65 years and older
  • People who are pregnant (and up to 2 weeks postpartum)
  • People of any age with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and diabetes
  • People with a weakened immune system due to disease or medications
  • People younger than 19 years old on long-term aspirin-or salicylate-containing medications
  • People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
  • People from certain racial and ethnic minority groups including non-Hispanic Black persons, Hispanic or Latino persons, and American Indian or Alaska Native persons
  • People who are obese with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
  • Those who live with or care for those who are at high risk for complications including:
Dr. Gupta says #NoFlu4Me!

Dr. Gupta says #NoFlu4Me!

In addition to getting vaccinated, staying home when you are sick, wearing your face mask, staying socially distanced from others, and practicing good hand hygiene and cough etiquette throughout the season will reduce your chance of getting or spreading the flu.

Talk to your health care provider today about getting your flu vaccine or find a flu vaccine at a pharmacy near you! If you do not have health insurance and need a flu vaccine, call the Onondaga County Health Department at 315.435.2000.

To learn more about the flu, visit https://www.cdc.gov/flu/.

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.