Mosquitoes Found Positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Indu Gupta, was notified by the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory today that mosquitoes from a trap located on Route 298 in the Cicero Swamp area in the town of Cicero have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV). Dr. Gupta explains that “EEEV is one of a number of viruses that can be spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, so it is extremely important that people use personal protection measures to reduce their risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.”

Eastern Equine Encephalitis
EEE is a rare but serious disease that causes encephalitis or inflammation of the brain. People over the age of 50 and younger than the age of 15 are at greatest risk for developing severe disease when infected with EEEV.

Personal Protection Measures
Even though the mosquito counts in our county remain relatively low compared to recent years due to this year’s dry weather conditions, this first positive finding of EEEV in mosquitoes serves as a reminder for all residents that this 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. The use of insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and other products that have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also recommended. 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. Do not put the repellent directly onto children; put it on your hands and apply it to your child.  Do not put insect repellent on your face. Wash skin and clothing after returning indoors.It is also important to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by removing mosquito breeding grounds:
• 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.

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.

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.

Please note that this does not affect the park’s other amenities during normal hours of operation, however, residents must continue to act responsibly to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by avoiding crowds, wearing a mask, and washing hands frequently.

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.

Potential COVID-19 Exposure at Local Business

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed that two customers of Tommy’s Park, 901 Butternut Street, Syracuse have tested positive for COVID-19. The two individuals were in the establishment on Friday, July 10 from 11:00 pm to close (approximately 12:00 midnight) and were not wearing masks. The server was wearing a mask and the establishment has been limiting capacity to under 50% and following CDC cleaning guidelines.

Health Department investigators are in the process of identifying all close contacts of the individuals and notifying them. Members of the public who visited Tommy’s Park from 11:00 pm to 12:00 midnight on Friday, July 10 may have been exposed and should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days from that date.  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. Testing is also widely available, and anyone can get tested for COVID-19 by visiting one of the clinics listed at covid19.ongov.net/.

Onondaga County is now in Phase Four of reopening, and 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.

With more businesses reopening, employers must take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the workplace. 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. We are continually updating our website, covid19.ongov.net to provide easy access to accurate and timely local information. Also regularly visit the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for statewide and national news about COVID-19.

Heat Advisory for Onondaga County

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Indu Gupta, is advising that individuals take precautions against the extreme heat and humidity that is expected in Onondaga County today and into this week. A heat advisory has been issued beginning today at 1:00 pm, and heat index values later in the week have the potential to be in the mid-90s Thursday and Friday afternoons.

A high heat index, besides making people uncomfortable, also significantly worsens the air quality which can impact people with lung diseases like asthma.  Air pollution concentrations may become unhealthy for sensitive groups, like children and seniors, as well as those suffering from heart or lung diseases. These effects can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or outdoor exercise.

Dr. Gupta explains that “All residents should take steps to stay cool during hot weather. For those who are at an increased risk for heat-related illness such as the elderly, small children, overweight individuals, and those with chronic health problems or who take certain medications, extreme heat conditions can be dangerous or even deadly. During times like these, we need to look out for each other—check in on your family, friends, and neighbors often.”

To stay healthy during hot weather it is important to follow these safety tips:

  • Drink water regularly, even if you’re not feeling thirsty. Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
  • Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location if possible.
  • Keep curtains and window shades closed.
  • Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
  • Schedule outdoor activities carefully and pace yourself.
  • Dress in loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
  • Protect face and head from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Avoid too much sun and use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF rating.
  • Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
  • NEVER leave children, disabled individuals or pets in cars

The Health Department reminds individuals to take steps to prevent heat-related illness. For more information on how to “Avoid, Spot and Treat Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion”, visit https://www.cdc.gov/phpr/infographics/ast-heat.htm. If you or someone you know is experiencing heat-related symptoms, contact your health care provider or 911 immediately.

For more information about heat-related illness and prevention tips call the Onondaga County Health Department at 315.435.3280 or visit ongov.net/health/heat.html or emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/faq.asp.

COVID-19 Potential Exposure at Mass Gathering

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed that two individuals who attended the “Rye Day” party held on June 20, 2020 have tested positive for COVID-19. Hundreds of people gathered for the party that took place from 4:00 to 9:00 pm on Saturday, June 20 in the Near Westside neighborhood at Performance Park near Wyoming and Marcellus Streets.

Health Department investigators are in the process of identifying all close contacts of the individuals and notifying them. Those who attended the party may have been exposed and should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 until Saturday, July 4.  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.

Central New York was in the middle of Phase Three of reopening the weekend of the “Rye Day” party, when gatherings of only up to 25 people were allowed.

Onondaga County Commissioner of Health Dr. Indu Gupta urges our community to take steps to prevent another surge that would undo the efforts made so far in the fight against COVID-19. “Onondaga County residents as a whole have done an incredible job helping to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Our individual actions have flattened the curve in Central New York, but the virus is still with us, and now is not the time to be complacent. We need to remain diligent by continuing to wash our hands, cover coughs and sneezes, stay home when sick, social distance, and wear a face covering in public. This responsibility doesn’t fall on a few–it is the job of everyone in order to recover from this as a community.”

Our region is now in Phase Four, which allows gatherings of up to 50 people, however, organizers should continue to assess whether to postpone, cancel, or significantly reduce the number of attendees for gatherings. The more people an individual interacts with at a gathering and the longer that interaction lasts, the higher the potential risk of spreading COVID-19. Those who attend gatherings must continue to follow social distancing, face covering, and handwashing guidelines to limit the risk of spreading the virus that has caused well over 2,700 cases and close to 200 deaths in Onondaga County. Without proper precautions, mass gatherings can be a recipe for disaster, especially for the more than 14% of cases who require hospitalizations and 5% who die of the illness.

Dr. Gupta strongly advises that “even though our region is in Phase Four of reopening, it is still important to use your best judgment—now may not be the best time to host a party or other gathering. If you do decide to visit with friends or family members you’ve been separated from, keep gatherings as small as possible and try to stay away from those who may be at high risk for severe COVID-19 disease, such as the elderly and those who are immunocompromised or have underlying medical conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, or diabetes.”

Information and guidance related to COVID-19 changes daily. We are continually updating our website, covid19.ongov.net to provide easy access to accurate and timely local information. Also regularly visit the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for statewide and national news about COVID-19.

New York State ends the use of tobacco coupons, multi-pack discounts as of July 1, 2020

Another big step forward for New Yorkers’ health

Beginning July 1, discounts on the sale of all tobacco products, such as coupons and multi-pack price promotions, are prohibited in New York State. The law was passed as part of the state’s fiscal year 2021 budget. Research shows that higher tobacco prices are linked to lower smoking rates.1

 “This new legislation will reduce the impact tobacco companies can have on disparate and low-income communities, and help address loopholes that have allowed tobacco products to get into the hands of youth” stated Dr. Indu Gupta, Onondaga County Commissioner of Health.

This new law limits the tobacco industry’s ability to circumvent New York State’s high taxes on tobacco products, which are proven to reduce smoking prevalence, especially among youth.1 The average age that teens first start smoking in New York State is 13 years old,2  and 90% of adult smokers say they first tried smoking by age 18.3

This represents a major victory in combating Big Tobacco’s long history of discounts and other pricing schemes that target youth, minority communities, low-income communities and people trying to quit.4

This legislation is part of a number of tobacco control measures passed with the state’s fiscal year 2021 budget, including a new law that stops the shipping and/or delivery of e-cigarettes and vape products to private residences beginning July 1. Other new laws took effect on May 18, 2020, including the end of all tobacco product sales in pharmacies and the end of flavored e-cigarette sales statewide. Each of these measures provides another important protection for youth and other residents across Central New York and New York State.

 For help quitting smoking or vaping, including free nicotine replacement therapy for eligible residents, individuals can contact a health care provider, call the New York State Smokers’ Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS or visit www.nysmokefree.com. Effective medications and counseling are covered by Medicaid and most insurance programs.

Tobacco-Free CNY and Reality Check student groups have worked with partners around the state to educate local communities about the need to protect children from the billions of dollars of tobacco marketing in places where kids can see it. The statewide “Seen Enough Tobacco” initiative is focused on putting an end to youth smoking and other tobacco use. Tobacco-Free CNY, including the Reality Check student youth groups, is part of the NYS Tobacco Control Program.  For more information on Tobacco-Free CNY, visit our website at www.tobaccofreecny.org.

________________________

  1. Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids. Raising Cigarette Taxes Reduces Smoking, Especially Among Kids, June 2019, accessed June 2020. https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/assets/factsheets/0146.pdf
  2. Information about Tobacco Use, Smoking and Secondhand Smoke, https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/index.htm
  3. A Report of the Surgeon General “The Health Consequences of Smoking—50 Years of Progress” 2014, p. 12, 696, 708: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK179276/pdf/Bookshelf_NBK179276.pdf
    https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/reports/statshots/volume12/n4_ecig_trends.pdf
  4. Public Health and Tobacco Policy Center. Tobacco Retail Licensing: Promoting Health Through Local Sales Regulation, Oct. 2017, rev. Jan. and May 2020, accessed June 8, 2020. https://tobaccopolicycenter.org/documents/TobaccoRetailLicensing.pdf

 

Potential COVID-19 Exposure at a Local Business

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed that a customer of TisMart Cigar Shop and Lounge located at 5501 Bartell Road, Brewerton has tested positive for COVID-19. The customer was not wearing a face mask while in the establishment on Saturday, June 13 from 9:30 to 11:30 am.

Health Department investigators are in the process of identifying all close contacts of the individual and notifying them. Members of the public who visited the business on Saturday, June 13 from 9:30 to 11:30 am may have been exposed and should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 until Saturday, June 27.  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. Testing is also widely available, and anyone can get tested for COVID-19 by visiting one of the clinics listed at covid19.ongov.net/.

Onondaga County is now in Phase Three of reopening, and 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.

With more businesses reopening, employers must take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the workplace. 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. We are continually updating our website, covid19.ongov.net to provide easy access to accurate and timely local information. Also regularly visit the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for statewide and national news about COVID-19.

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 affecting our health. The arrival of warm weather brings with it the need to protect ourselves from mosquito- and tick-borne diseases. Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta reminds residents, “While we are enjoying this beautiful Central New York springtime, it is important to consistently use personal protection measures 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 through the fall season.”

The Health Department has begun the annual mosquito surveillance and control program for this year. 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/

Potential COVID-19 Exposure at a Local Business

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed that an employee at the T-Mobile store at the corner of West Taft and Buckley Roads in Liverpool has tested positive for COVID-19. Members of the public who visited the store on these days and times may have been exposed:
•  Saturday, May 23: 10:00 am to 8:30 pm
•  Sunday, May 24: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm

The employee was wearing a face mask while working, and the store is following CDC guidelines for cleaning and physical distancing. Health Department investigators are in the process of identifying all close contacts of the individual and notifying them. Anyone who visited the store during the identified time periods should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after they visited the store. 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. Testing is also widely available, and anyone can get tested for COVID-19 by visiting one of the clinics listed at covid19.ongov.net/.

Businesses and employers can prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19 within the workplace. 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.

Some people who are positive for COVID-19 do not have symptoms, so it is important to stay at least 6 feet away from others and wear a cloth face covering/mask when in public. Continue to wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and disinfect surfaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Information and guidance related to COVID-19 changes daily. We are continually updating our website, covid19.ongov.net to provide easy access to accurate and timely local information. Also regularly visit the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for statewide and national news about COVID-19.

Potential COVID-19 Exposure at a Local Business

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed that an employee at Recess Coffee, 110 Harvard Place in Syracuse has tested positive for COVID-19. Members of the public who visited the cafe on these days and times may have been exposed:

  • Tuesday, May 19: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • Friday, May 22: 7:00 am to 2:00 pm
  • Saturday, May 23: 7:00 am to 2:30 pm
  • Monday, May 25: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

The employee was wearing a face mask while working. All Recess Coffee locations have a plexiglass barrier at the customer service area and continue to follow CDC guidelines for cleaning and physical distancing.

Health Department investigators are in the process of identifying all close contacts of the individual and notifying them. Anyone who visited the Harvard Place cafe during the identified time periods should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after they visited the store. 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. Testing is also widely available, and anyone can get tested for COVID-19 by visiting one of the clinics listed at covid19.ongov.net/.

Businesses and employers can prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19 within the workplace. 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 sick employees to stay home, and educating employees about steps they can take to protect themselves at work and at home.

Some people who are positive for COVID-19 do not have symptoms, so it is important to stay at least 6 feet away from others and wear a face covering/mask when in public. Continue to wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and disinfect surfaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Information and guidance related to COVID-19 changes daily. We are continually updating our website, covid19.ongov.net to provide easy access to accurate and timely local information. Also regularly visit the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for statewide and national news about COVID-19.