Oneida Shores Beach Closed for Swimming

The Onondaga County Health Department announced today that Oneida Shores Beach, located in the town of Cicero, will be closed for swimming due to high levels of bacteria (E.coli) in the water. Swimming will not be allowed until bacteria levels return to acceptable levels. The Health Department will be monitoring the lake water daily until bacteria levels reach acceptable standards. The public should refer to the Onondaga County Parks website for reopening information.

Most varieties of E. coli are harmless or cause brief diarrhea. While only some types of bacteria will cause gastrointestinal illness, the presence of E. coli bacteria is an indicator of increased general bacterial action in the water. Anyone concerned about gastrointestinal symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.

Please note that this does not affect Oneida Shores’ other amenities during normal hours of operation. While Oneida Shores is closed to swimming, Onondaga County Parks encourages the public to use Jamesville Beach as an alternative. Jamesville Beach will open for swimming tomorrow, Wednesday, July 14 from 12:00-6:00 pm.

FOR FUTURE UPDATES on bacterial testing and closure status for Oneida Shores Beach, please visit: www.onondagacountyparks.com/about/water-quality-testing/ or call the Division of Environmental Health at 315.435.6600.

Emergence of Tickborne Disease in CNY

Twice as Many Cases of Anaplasmosis in 2021 than Previous 5-Year Total

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Indu Gupta, announced the emergence of anaplasmosis, a tickborne disease that is typically rare in Central New York. In the previous 5 years, a total of 3 cases were reported in Onondaga County; so far this year, there have been 6 reported cases.

Anaplasmosis is caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and is primarily spread to people by the bite of an infected tick. Dr. Gupta explained, “In New York state, the disease is spread by the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), which is the same type of tick that typically spreads Lyme disease. If we are diligent in practicing the same prevention measures we’ve learned to prevent Lyme disease, we are protecting ourselves from other tickborne diseases including anaplasmosis.”

Symptoms and Treatment
The symptoms of anaplasmosis begin within 1–2 weeks after the bite of an infected tick, and include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If treatment is delayed, or if there are other medical conditions present, anaplasmosis can cause severe illness, and even death in rare cases. Prompt treatment can reduce your risk of developing severe illness.

See your healthcare provider if you become ill after being bitten by a tick or spending time in the woods or in areas with high brush where ticks commonly live.

Personal Protection Measures
There are steps everyone should take to protect themselves from both mosquito and tick bites during outdoor activities:

Wear shoes, light-colored socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck in your shirt and tuck pant legs into boots or socks. Check your body for ticks after being outdoors.
Consider using insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and other products that have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 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. 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 not be used on babies younger than 2 months old.
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.

Check for and Remove Ticks
After outdoor activities, it is critical to check your body for an attached tick. Early removal is important—the longer an infected tick is attached to the skin, the higher the chances are for transmitting diseases such as Lyme and anaplasmosis. Keep ticks away by mowing your lawn often and removing brush. Playground toys, decks, and patios should be kept away from wooded areas. In addition, do not feed deer on your property. If you see a tick embedded in your skin, follow the steps below (or watch this video) to learn how to remove it:

Take tweezers to the tick’s head or mouth, where it enters the skin.
Pull the tick firmly up, in a steady motion, away from the skin.
Clean the bite with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide.
Keep a record of the date, time, and where you were bitten.

For more information visit the CDC website.

Oneida Shores Beach Approved to Reopen for Swimming

The Onondaga County Health Department announced today that Oneida Shores Beach, located in the town of Cicero, is approved to be reopened for swimming. Oneida Shores Beach was closed on June 29 due to water quality issues. Water quality test results received today now show acceptable levels.

Beach operations will now resume at Oneida Shores and Jamesville Beach will once again close. As a reminder, all other amenities at Jamesville Beach Park are open to the public. Please visit the Onondaga County Parks webpage for hours of operation and any additional information pertaining to parks operations.

For future updates on testing and closure status of Oneida Shores Beach, please visit www.onondagacountyparks.com/about/water-quality-testing/ or call the Division of Environmental Health at 315.435.6600.

Oneida Shores Beach Closed for Swimming

The Onondaga County Health Department announced today that Oneida Shores Beach, located in the town of Cicero, will be closed for swimming due to high levels of bacteria (E.coli) in the water. Swimming will not be allowed until bacteria levels return to acceptable levels. The Health Department will be monitoring the lake water daily until bacteria levels reach acceptable standards and will notify the public when the beach is reopened for swimming.

Most varieties of E. coli are harmless or cause brief diarrhea. While only some types of bacteria will cause gastrointestinal illness, the presence of E. coli bacteria is an indicator of increased general bacterial action in the water. Anyone concerned about gastrointestinal symptoms should contact their health care provider.

For future updates on bacterial testing and closure status for Oneida Shores Beach, please visit: www.onondagacountyparks.com/about/water-quality-testing/ or call the Division of Environmental Health at 315.435.6600.

Preventing Rabies Exposure from Wild Animals

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Indu Gupta, reminds Onondaga County residents to take precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their pets from rabies. Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease that is transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.

There have already been positive cases of rabid animals reported this year in Onondaga County, both domestic as well as wild animals. Fortunately, human rabies is rare in the United States. Although there is no treatment for rabies, it is PREVENTABLE in both humans and pets.

Dr. Gupta reminds residents that “rabies is a fatal disease, so if you find wildlife on your property, do not touch it, even if it looks friendly. If you see an animal that looks sick or injured, do not try to approach it. You may contact a wildlife rehabilitator for their expert assistance.” It is very important to take the following precautions to prevent rabies in yourself and your pet:

Make sure rabies vaccinations are up-to-date for all your pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets). New York State Public Health Law requires that all puppies and kittens get their initial shot at three months of age, the first booster shot within 1 year after the initial shot, and then a booster shot every three years. Ferrets must get a shot every year.
Maintain control of your pets. Keep cats and ferrets indoors and keep dogs under direct supervision.
Make sure to wear gloves before tending to your dog after a fight with a wild animal. Don’t forget to consult a veterinarian for further care.
Call your town or local municipality for assistance or guidance on how to remove stray or wild animals from your neighborhood.
Never try to approach nor pet a wild or unfamiliar animal, including stray cats.
Do not bring a wild animal, such as a fox, raccoon, woodchuck, or skunk, etc. into your home or treat them as pets.

Teach Children to Stay Safe around Animals

Supervise children while interacting with animals.
Respect a dog’s space. Never approach a dog, especially one that is tied or confined behind a fence or in a car. Be cautious around strange dogs. Don’t pet a dog—even your own—without letting it see and sniff you first.

Protect your Family from Bats
About 5 percent of bats may carry rabies, so take steps to keep bats out of your house:

Bat-proof your home. Look for holes in places like the garage, attic, and basement and plug them with steel wool. Repair window screen holes with wire mesh and caulk any openings or cracks.
Trap any bat found in your home—do not let it escape outdoors. Before trapping the bat, protect yourself with gloves and a hat. Collect the bat in a container with a secure lid. For complete instructions and a video on how to trap a bat visit: net/health/env/rabies.html.
Once the bat is caught, call the Animal Disease Control Program at 315.435.3165 to bring the bat in for testing at our location at 4170 Route 31, Clay, NY 13041.
If you cannot trap the bat, call a local trapper for assistance.

Vaccinate Your Pets
Onondaga County Health Department is holding a safe and socially-distanced drive-thru rabies clinic on Thursday, July 1 at our Field Office located at 4170 Route 31 in Clay. Appointments are required and can be reserved at https://on.ny.gov/3wWVENX. The shots are free for Onondaga County residents. A voluntary donation per family is appreciated. Additional rabies shot clinics will be offered throughout the year and will be announced on our website and Facebook page.

If You are Bitten by a Wild or Unfamiliar Animal
If you or a family member are bitten, or exposed to the saliva of a wild or unfamiliar animal, first wash any wounds with soap and water and seek medical treatment if necessary. Next, call the Animal Disease Control Program at 315.435.3165 for guidance regarding concern for rabies. More information on how to address animal bites and other frequently asked questions (FAQs) can be found at: ongov.net/health/env/documents/RabiesFAQ.pdf

For more information about rabies prevention call 315.435.3165 or visit:
ongov.net/health/env/rabies.html
health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/zoonoses/rabies/
cdc.gov/rabies/

Tobacco-Free CNY Kicks Summer Off with Chalk Art Contest

Reality Check, a project of the Onondaga County Health Department’s Tobacco-Free CNY program, is sponsoring a tobacco-free chalk art contest to kick off the summer with some color!

We are asking youth to use their artistic skills to express why they feel it is important for our community to be tobacco-free. Not only are there many health benefits of living a tobacco-free life, but communities can take steps in reducing youth exposure to tobacco marketing, establishing tobacco-free norms through tobacco-free outdoor policies, reducing secondhand smoke exposure through smoke-free housing policies, and reducing tobacco imagery in youth-rated movies.

The contest is open to youth ages 8 to 19. Prizes will be given, and the top prize will receive a $40 gift card and Reality Check program gear. All materials will be provided for the first 50 participants that sign up. The deadline for submitting a photo of your chalk art is July 30 at 11:59 PM. Winners will be announced on August 6, 2021.

For more information and to register for materials, visit www.tobaccofreecny.org.

Time for Back-to-School Vaccines; Onondaga County Immunization Clinic Reopens

With the return to fully in person school this September, be sure your kids are ready! Now is the time to make sure your children’s vaccinations (shots) are up-to-date. Having all school-required vaccines protects your child from harmful infections while protecting your family, their classmates, and the community. It is important to contact your child’s health care provider to make sure your child has received all the needed immunizations for this school year.

Childhood vaccines protect against many serious and life-threatening diseases that once were commonplace. These diseases are now rare in the United States thanks to vaccines; however, outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as whooping cough, measles, or mumps can still happen in communities with low vaccination rates. Please remember that New York State government passed a law to no longer allow non-medical exemptions (including religious exemptions) from vaccine requirements. Medical exemptions are still allowed.

Don’t wait—schedule an appointment today!
The Onondaga County Health Department encourages you to check with your health care provider to make sure your school-age children are up-to-date on all required vaccines for school attendance. Schedule your appointment TODAY for any needed immunizations.

No insurance?
The Onondaga County Health Department Immunization Clinic is open again each Wednesday from 9 am to 3 pm beginning June 16. The clinic is located in the Civic Center, 421 Montgomery Street, Syracuse in basement level room 30. Appointments are now required by calling (315) 435-2000 at least 24 hours in advance, and the number of appointments will be limited. All vaccines needed for school are offered, and a sliding fee scale is available.

In our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health and wellbeing of our clients and staff members, Onondaga County Immunization Clinic will implement the following requirements:

Everyone over age 2 must wear a face covering upon entering the Civic Center and will be required to keep it on until they leave the Civic Center.
Arrive at your scheduled appointment time.
Only children getting a vaccine are allowed in clinic, and only one adult may accompany them.
Individuals will have their temperature taken and be pre-screened for risk factors.
Chairs in the waiting room will be placed 6 feet apart.
To limit traffic in the waiting area, there will be a separate entrance and exit.
All staff will wear masks at all times while in the clinic setting.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please call (315) 435-2000 to cancel and reschedule your appointment for a later date: dry cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, congestion or runny nose, fever, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

For more information, visit our website or call us at (315) 435-2000.

Local Youth Joined Effort to Expose Big Tobacco’s Lies during Altria’s Shareholder Meeting

Mobilizing Against Tobacco Lies Virtual Event (#MATL2021) to Tell the Truth About Tobacco Use and the Industry’s Marketing Tactics

Syracuse, NY – June 1, 2021 – This past week, Reality Check youth leaders from Onondaga and Cayuga Counties joined more than 300 other youth from around New York State, as well as Nebraska, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Arkansas, Delaware, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, and Idaho to challenge Altria Group executives and shareholders for the sixth consecutive year on the tobacco lies they use to sell their products. Altria, the parent company of Philip Morris USA, is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of tobacco and electronic cigarette products.

Reality Check is a statewide youth program that is part of Tobacco-Free CNY and works to engage and educate local stakeholders, community leaders, and the public to strengthen tobacco and e-cigarette policies that prevent and reduce tobacco and vape use. This program, implemented by the Onondaga County Health Department in CNY, focuses on reducing youth exposure to harmful tobacco and e-cigarette marketing in retail settings, limiting exposure to secondhand smoke, and reducing smoking imagery in the media.

In prior years, the youth physically gathered outside the Altria Shareholder’s Meeting in Richmond, VA. This year, the youth took their action online, using social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to raise their voices. Their goal was to engage others by revealing the truth about the commercial tobacco industry including the way it produces, manufactures, markets, and promotes its deadly products. As youth, they have the power to change the social norms created by Big Tobacco and celebrate our collaborative achievements.

The Seven Truths the youth used to challenge the statements of the tobacco companies are:

Menthol is a flavor, and flavors in tobacco products appeal to youth
Minority populations have been targeted by the tobacco industry for decades
Tobacco products are harmful to the environment and are the number one littered item in the world
E-cigarettes and vaping are not healthy
The tobacco industry values profit over people
The tobacco industry often opposes tobacco regulation
Nicotine is addictive – no matter how it is ingested

Studies show that kids who shop in stores with tobacco marketing two or more times a week are 64% more likely to start smoking than their friends who don’t shop where tobacco is marketed.

In preparation for the virtual demonstration on Thursday, May 20, Reality Check youth spent the last month learning about tobacco control policies, how the tobacco industry contracts with retailers to get their products and messages in front of youth audiences, and how they can stand up, speak out and make a difference in the fight against Big Tobacco.

Virtual speakers and trainers included youth leaders from Dover Youth 2 Youth of Dover, NH and Counter Tools of Chapel Hill, NC, Nicole Sutton, tobacco control expert from the University of Southern Florida, and Michael Scott from The Center of Black Health & Equity.

The New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Tobacco Control funds Tobacco-Free CNY to increase support for New York State’s tobacco-free norm through youth action and community engagement. Efforts are evidence-based, policy-driven, and cost-effective approaches that decrease youth tobacco use, motivate adult smokers to quit, and eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke. For more information about Reality Check, visit realitycheckofny.org.

1. Henriksen, Schleicher, Feiughery and Fortmann. Pediatrics: The Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. July 19, 2010, DOI: 10.1542/peds.2009 3021

Taking Down Tobacco: “It’s Not Just” about Menthol Flavored Tobacco Products

In Onondaga County, African Americans are at a higher risk for poor health outcomes related to many chronic diseases, including those caused by tobacco use! Sadly, the tobacco industry has spent decades marketing menthol-flavored tobacco products in Black or African American communities^1,2. As a result, 85% of Black smokers use menthol cigarettes, compared to 29% of white smokers^3,4. To bring awareness to this issue, Tobacco Free NYS and Tobacco-Free CNY have kicked off their new “It’s Not Just” campaign. This campaign will educate people across New York State that menthol tobacco products are not just flavored, are not just in communities, are not just addicting, and are not just an injustice – they’re killing Black Americans.

While menthol can be used safely in many everyday products, when added to cigarettes and other types of tobacco, the menthol flavor creates a cooling sensation in the throat and airways^,5,6, masking the harshness and allowing the user to inhale more of the toxic and addictive ingredients. Due to the tobacco industry’s intentional marketing in Black or African American communities, menthol tobacco products are addicting and killing Black Americans at higher rates. Ninety-three percent of Black smokers started by using menthol cigarettes^5,7. Black smokers die of heart attacks, strokes, and other causes linked to tobacco use at higher rates than white smokers, even though they smoke less than whites^1,8-12.

To market these products in Black and other minority communities, menthol tobacco products are given more shelf space and are often marketed as “smooth” to make the product seem more appealing and disguise the dangers^1,13. In addition to being heavily advertised and widely available, certain tobacco products have been found to be priced lower in Black communities, making them more appealing, particularly to youth^14,15,16. Over 7 out of 10 Black youth ages 12-17 years who smoke use menthol cigarettes^1,17.

This is a very timely campaign! In April of this year, the FDA announced that it would support a ban on menthol-flavored cigarettes. This decision was based on some of the facts below:

A report by a committee of the FDA found that if menthol cigarettes had been banned in 2010, roughly 17,000 premature deaths would have been avoided and 2.3 million people would not have started smoking in the past 10 years.
Research shows that quitting menthol-flavored tobacco is more difficult than quitting non-menthol tobacco. Black Americans consistently report more, but less successful attempts at quitting menthol tobacco products.
The FDA ban on mentholated tobacco regulates manufacturers and retailers of the product—not an individual’s use or possession of them. A ban on menthol tobacco products will not increase the potential for unjustly criminalizing Black Americans.
Data from other countries with previous bans show no likelihood of international, illicit trade of menthol cigarettes after they are prohibited. Surveys show, in fact, that a ban would encourage Black Americans to quit menthols rather than seek them from a black market.
Smoking-related illnesses are the No. 1 cause of death in the Black community, more than murders, suicides, HIV, and car accidents combined. To remain silent on this issue would be an injustice.

Tobacco-Free CNY is a program administered by the Onondaga County Health Department that works in Onondaga, Cayuga, and Oswego Counties to reduce illness, disability, and death related to tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure through multiple community and youth-oriented goals. Tobacco-Free CNY plans to disseminate the campaign messaging within the three counties through various media channels and community engagement activities. To learn more about the “It’s Not Just” campaign and help to fight the injustice, visit www.notjustmenthol.org.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. “African Americans and Tobacco Use,” https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/disparities/african-americans/index.htm, updated November 16, 2020.
Food and Drug Administration. Preliminary Scientific Evaluation of the Possible Public Health Effects of Menthol Versus Nonmenthol Cigarettes, 2013.
Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. “Tobacco Use Among African Americans,” https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/assets/factsheets/0006.pdf, 2021.
Delnevo, CD, et al., “Banning Menthol Cigarettes: A Social Justice Issue Long Overdue,” Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 22(10): 1673-1675, 2020.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. “Menthol and Cigarettes,” https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/tobacco_industry/menthol-cigarettes/index.html, updated May 18, 2020.
Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee, Menthol Cigarettes and Public Health: Review of the Scientific Evidence and Recommendations, Rockville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, 2011.
D’Silva J, Cohn AM, Johnson AL, Villanti AC, Differences in Subjective Experiences to First Use of Menthol and Monmenthol Cigarettes in a National Sample of Young Adult Cigarette Smokers, Nicotine Tob Res. 20(9): 1062-1068, 2018.
S. Department of Health and Human Services, Tobacco Use Among U.S. Racial/Ethnic Minority Groups—African Americans, American Indians and Alaska Natives, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics: A Report of the Surgeon General, Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office on Smoking and Health, 1998 [accessed 2018 Jun 12].
Kochanek KD, Murphy SL, Xu JQ, Tejada-Vera B, Deaths: Final Data for 2014, National Vital Statistics Reports, 2016;vol 65: no 4, Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics [accessed 2018 Jun 12].
Heron, M, Deaths: Leading Causes for 2010, National Vital Statistics Reports, 2013;62(6) [accessed 2018 Jun 12].
Schoenborn CA, Adams PF, Peregoy JA, Health Behaviors of Adults: United States, 2008–2010, National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 10(257) [accessed 2018 Jun 12].
S. Department of Health and Human Services, The Health Consequences of Smoking, Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2004 [accessed 2018 Jun 12].
Center for Public Health Systems Science, Point-of-Sale Strategies: A Tobacco Control Guide, St. Louis: Center for Public Health Systems Science, George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis and the Tobacco Control Legal Consortium, 2014 [accessed 2018 Jun 12].
Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, “Tobacco Company Marketing To African Americans,” https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/assets/factsheets/0208.pdf, 2018.
Resnick, EA, et al., Cigarette Pricing Differs by U.S. Neighborhoods—A BTG Research Brief. Chicago, IL: Bridging the Gap Program, Health Policy Center, Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago, https://www.bridgingthegapresearch.org/_asset/d49910/btg_tobacco_brief_FINAL_011113.pdf, 2012.
Cantrell, J, et al., “Marketing Little Cigars and Cigarillos: Advertising, Price, and Associations with Neighborhood Demographics,” American Journal of Public Health, published online ahead of print August 15, 2013.
Gardiner PS, “The African Americanization of Menthol Cigarette Use in the United States,” Nicotine and Tobacco Research 2004; 6:Suppl 1:S55-65 [cited 2018 Jun 12].
American Heart Association, “African Americans and Cardiovascular Diseases: Statistical Fact Sheet, 2013 Update,” https://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@sop/@smd/documents/downloadable/ucm_319568.pdf, 2013.

Fight the Bite: Protect Yourself from Diseases Caused by Ticks and Mosquitoes

As the Onondaga County Health Department continues its efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic in our community, it is important to remember other issues that are also affecting our health. We continue to stress the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine, and now with the arrival of spring, the need to protect ourselves from mosquito- and tick-borne diseases.

Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta reminds residents, “As we are enjoying the arrival of some warmer days in Central New York, it is important to remember to protect yourself to reduce the risk of mosquito and tick bites that may transmit West Nile virus (WNV), Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV), or Lyme disease from now all the way through the fall season.”

The Health Department will soon begin the annual mosquito surveillance and control program for 2021. This program collects and tests mosquitoes for viruses including WNV and EEEV. The program also uses larvicides (an insecticide) to control mosquito breeding in standing bodies of water.

Personal Protection Measures
The Health Department reminds residents that there are steps everyone should take to protect themselves from mosquito and tick bites during outdoor activities:

Wear shoes, light-colored socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck in your shirt and tuck pant legs into boots or socks. Check your body for ticks after being outdoors.
Consider using insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and other products that have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 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. 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 not be used on babies younger than 2 months old.
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
It is also important to mosquito-proof your home by replacing or repairing broken screens and getting rid of standing water where mosquitoes breed. Keep your property free of standing water by cleaning clogged rain gutters; turning over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use; changing water in birdbaths every four days; properly maintaining swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs; draining water from pool covers; and, using landscaping to eliminate low spots where standing water accumulates.

Signs and Symptoms of WNV and EEE
Most people who are infected with WNV or EEE do not develop any signs or symptoms. However, both WNV and EEE are potentially serious illnesses. Signs and symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, confusion, tremors (shaking), convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, irritability, drowsiness, numbness, paralysis, vomiting, diarrhea, and coma. Consult your healthcare provider if you have been bitten by a mosquito and develop any of these signs and symptoms.

Check for and Remove Ticks
After outdoor activities, it is critical to check your body for an attached tick. Early removal is important—the longer an infected tick is attached to the skin, the higher the chances are for transmitting disease. According to the CDC, an infected tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted. Keep ticks away by mowing your lawn often and removing brush. Playground toys, decks, and patios should be kept away from wooded areas. In addition, do not feed deer on your property. If you see a tick embedded in your skin, follow the steps below (or watch this video) to learn how to remove it:

Take tweezers to the tick’s head or mouth, where it enters the skin.
Pull the tick firmly up, in a steady motion, away from the skin.
Clean the bite with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide.
Keep a record of the date, time, and where you were bitten.

Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Call your health care provider if a tick has been attached to your skin for more than 36 hours, or if you had a recent tick bite and develop any symptoms (“bull’s-eye” rash, fever, fatigue, chills, headache, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes). Lyme disease can be prevented and effectively treated with appropriate and timely medical treatment.

More Information and Resources
For more information about mosquito-borne illnesses or Lyme disease, contact the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 315.435.1649 or visit:

Onondaga County Health Department
ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html
ongov.net/health/env/lyme.html

New York State Department of Health
www.health.ny.gov/diseases/west_nile_virus/
www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
www.cdc.gov/westnile/
www.cdc.gov/EasternEquineEncephalitis/
www.cdc.gov/lyme/