Family Planning Clinic Temporarily Closed

The Onondaga County Family Planning Service Clinic located at 301 Slocum Avenue, Syracuse is closed temporarily for heating system repairs. The public will be notified when the clinic has reopened.

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at Oncenter Rescheduled

The Onondaga County Health Department Vaccine Clinic at the Oncenter Convention Center* scheduled for Monday, February 15, 2021 is being rescheduled to Tuesday, February 16.

All individuals who have an appointment at the Oncenter clinic on Monday, February 15 will be rescheduled for Tuesday, February 16; the appointment time will not change. This affects anyone who received their FIRST dose of Moderna vaccine at the Oncenter on Monday, January 18. Everyone affected will receive an email notification of the new date.

*PLEASE NOTE: The COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic scheduled at AME Zion Church on Monday, February 15 will take place from 10am to 1pm.

FREE Tests to Detect Cervical Cancer Are Available

All women are at risk for cervical cancer, but it occurs most often in women over the age of 30. In the United States, approximately 13,000 (2017:12,831) women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. Cervical cancer is preventable with the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and regular screening tests (Pap test and HPV test) and follow-up. Cervical cancer is highly curable when found and treated early.

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. It is important to remember that most sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives. 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 males and females 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. Cervical cancer screening tests are recommended for women between the ages of 21 to 65. Women aged 21-29 should be screened regularly with Pap tests every three years. Women 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.

Free Pap and HPV tests are available through the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) for women between 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. Call 315-435-3653 or register for your free screening test here.

Whether you have health insurance or not, having cervical cancer screening tests is important. You should start regular Pap tests at age 21 and continue this practice through age 65 with the guidance of your doctor. Remember, if you are a woman between the ages of 40 to 64 and do NOT have health insurance, call 315.435.3653 to see if you qualify for free cervical cancer screening tests. Take care of yourself and schedule your test today!

Rise in Opioid Overdoses in Onondaga County

Over the last year, there has been a significant increase in the number of fatal opioid overdoses in Onondaga County. From January through September 2020 there was a 40% increase in opioid overdose deaths compared to the same time period in 2019 (121 deaths vs 86 deaths, respectively). The pandemic has exacerbated the opioid epidemic, through 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.

The Onondaga County Health Department ODMAP overdose tracking system, there has been notification of several significant spikes in overdose activity over the past two months. These reports have indicated 12 or more overdoses occurring in a 24 hour period, occurring as recently as yesterday. This appears to be linked to increased amounts of fentanyl in the drug supply. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 80-100 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl is added to heroin and other drugs to increase its potency and decrease the cost of production. Many people who use drugs believe that they are purchasing heroin or another drug and actually don’t know that they are purchasing fentanyl – which often results in overdose occurrences. Statewide, there have been reports of fentanyl not only in heroin but in other drugs such as cocaine, leading to an increase in overdoses in people who do not typically use opioids.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has not made other health crises disappear in our community; instead, the pandemic has contributed to increases in other serious public health concerns in Onondaga County, such as opioid-related overdoses. This crisis has affected individuals across all populations in Onondaga County and we need to work together to turn the tide,” said County Executive Ryan McMahon.

Onondaga County Commissioner of Health, Dr. Indu Gupta explained, “This increase is very concerning and is a stark reminder that opioid epidemic continues to impact people’s lives in our community. Our three-pronged approach of prevention, treatment, and addressing crisis is crucial in addressing this.”

Focus on Prevention:
During this time of potential social isolation, we encourage you to check in and connect with your loved ones who may be experiencing social isolation, despair, or other risk factors for developing a substance use disorder.

Safe disposal of unused medications at your local pharmacy or another drug take-back location can also help if you or a loved one may be susceptible to opioid use disorder. You can find local disposal locations here.

Access to Treatment:
It is important to monitor friends and family members for signs and symptoms of substance use disorders and help to connect them with needed treatment resources in our community. You can learn what to look for here and locate treatment resources here.

Additionally, recent changes to federal policy have made it easier for physicians to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Until now, physicians were required to take specialized training and apply to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine, a medication used to treat OUD. Now, any state-licensed physician registered with the DEA can prescribe buprenorphine for up to 30 patients. Physicians should consider prescribing buprenorphine to expand access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT.)

Addressing Crisis:
Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is an opioid overdose reversal medication that is available as a nasal spray. Being trained to use naloxone is an easy way to potentially save a life. A list of training options in our community can be found here. In addition, if you are in need of naloxone, you can contact the Onondaga County Health Department at naloxonetraining@ongov.net.

Together we can work to reduce these preventable deaths in our community.

Dog Positive for Rabies After Encounter with Raccoon

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Indu Gupta announced today that a dog in Onondaga County has tested positive for rabies after an encounter with a wild raccoon while on a walk with its owner. This dog, a household pet, was not up-to-date on its rabies vaccinations and began having seizures and a change in behavior after being injured by the raccoon. Four residents were exposed to rabies as a result of contact with the dog, and all were given post-exposure prophylaxis.

In 2020, fourteen animals (four bats, one cat, one dog, two skunks, five raccoons, and one fox) have tested positive for rabies in Onondaga County; there are no human cases in Onondaga County.

Dr. Gupta explained, “It can take several weeks to several months for rabies symptoms to appear. Although rabies is fatal and there is no treatment, it is PREVENTABLE in both humans and pets. If a pet has contact with a wild animal, consult your veterinarian immediately for care and a rabies booster if necessary.”

Protecting yourself and your pets from rabies is important year-round:

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 any animal.
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: ongov.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.

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/

Additional Potential COVID-19 Exposure at Local Businesses

We are experiencing an increase in cases in Onondaga County, so it is crucial that residents be diligent and continue to do their part to prevent further spread of COVID-19. The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed that employees and patrons at 5 local businesses have tested positive for COVID-19. Members of the public who visited the following establishments during the timeframes listed may have been exposed:

An employee of Koster’s Wood Floor Store, LLC, 2027 Teall Ave, Syracuse
• Friday, October 23, 7:30am-5:00pm
• Saturday, October 24, 8:00am-3:00pm

An employee of Garage clothing store at Destiny USA, 9090 Destiny USA Dr, Syracuse
• Friday, October 23, 10:00am-6:30pm
• Saturday, October 24, 10:30am-6:30pm
• Sunday, October 25, 10:00am-6:30pm
• Monday, October 26, 12:00pm-7:30pm
• Tuesday, October 27, 12:00pm-7:30pm

A patron of Julie’s Diner, 3800 Brewerton Rd # 3, North Syracuse
• Saturday, October 24, 11:00am-12:00pm

Two employees of Coleman’s Pub, 100 S Lowell Ave, Syracuse, NY 13204
• Sunday, October 25, 11:00am-Midnight

A patron of DannO’S Bar, 3855 Split Rock Rd, Camillus
• Sunday, October 25, 12:00pm-7:30pm

An employee of Party City, 256 Northern Lights Plaza, North Syracuse
• Wednesday, October 28, 8:00am-2:30pm

Health Department investigators are in the process of identifying all close contacts of the individual and notifying them. Those who may have been exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days from the date of potential exposure. If symptoms do develop, stay home and call your doctor for further guidance. If you are elderly, have underlying medical conditions, or are immunocompromised, call your doctor early even if your illness is mild. In an emergency call 911.

Protect yourself and others by covering your face in public when social distancing (staying 6 feet apart) is not possible, especially on public transport, in stores, on crowded sidewalks, or when working and have direct contact with members of the public. Continue to wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and disinfect surfaces frequently. If you are sick, stay ho,e and away from others. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, be sure to get tested.

Employers must take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the workplace including encouraging employees to get tested. All employers should implement a plan that identifies and controls all areas and job tasks with potential exposures to COVID-19, conducting daily symptom and temperature screening of employees before they enter the facility, requiring face masks and frequent hand washing, ensuring social distancing, telling employees to stay home when sick, and educating their staff about steps they can take to protect themselves at work and at home.

Information and guidance related to COVID-19 changes daily, stay up to date by visiting these websites:
• Onondaga County: covid19.ongov.net
• New York State Department of Health: coronavirus.health.ny.gov
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Potential COVID-19 Exposure at Local Businesses

Members of the public who visited the following establishments during the timeframes listed may have been exposed:

An employee of Strada Mia, 313 North Geddes Street, Syracuse
• Thursday, October 15, 11:00am-8:30pm
• Friday, October 16, 11:00am-5:00pm
• Saturday, October 17,5:30pm-10:30pm

An employee of Limerick Pub, 134 Walton Street, Syracuse
• Sunday, October 18, 12:00pm-8:00pm

An employee of Mars Jewelry, 2519 James St, Syracuse
• Tuesday, October 20, 10:00am-5:30pm
• Wednesday, October 21, 10:00am-12:00pm
• Thursday, October 22, 10:00am-5:30pm
• Friday, October 23, 10:00am-5:30pm
• Saturday, October 24, 10:00am-3:00pm

A patron of Brad’s Extra Innings, 200 Highland Ave, East Syracuse
• Wednesday, October 21, 5:00pm-7:00pm

Three employees of the Blarney Stone, 314 Avery Ave, Syracuse
• Thursday, October 22, 7:00pm-12:00am
• Friday, October 23, 12:00am-2:00am
• Saturday, October 24, 11:00am-9:45pm
• Sunday, October 25, 10:30am-7:00pm

Additional Potential COVID-19 Exposures at Local Bar

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed that another employee at the Change of Pace Sports Bar located at 1809 Grant Boulevard in Syracuse has tested positive for COVID-19. Members of the public who were at the bar between the hours of 6pm-10pm on Wednesday, October 21 or Thursday the 22nd may have been exposed.

We are experiencing an increase in cases in Onondaga County, so it is crucial that residents be diligent and continue to do their part to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Protect yourself and others by covering your face in public when social distancing (staying 6 feet apart) is not possible, especially on public transport, in stores, on crowded sidewalks, or when working and have direct contact with members of the public. Continue to wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and disinfect surfaces frequently. If you are sick, stay ho,e and away from others. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, be sure to get tested.

Potential COVID-19 Exposure at Local Restaurant

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed that an employee at Prime Steak House located at 101 East Water Street, Syracuse has tested positive for COVID-19. Members of the public who visited the restaurant on Monday, October 19 between the hours of 3:30pm and 6:30pm may have been exposed.

Potential COVID-19 Exposure at Local Market

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed that an employee at South Avenue Market located at 1504 South Avenue, Syracuse has tested positive for COVID-19. Members of the public who visited the market on Wednesday, October 21 or Thursday the 22nd between the hours of 8:00pm and 10pm may have been exposed.

Health Department investigators are in the process of identifying all close contacts of the individuals and notifying them. Those who may have been exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days from the date of potential exposure. If symptoms do develop, stay home and call your doctor for further guidance. If you are elderly, have underlying medical conditions, or are immunocompromised, call your doctor early even if your illness is mild. In an emergency call 911.