Spraying of the Cicero Swamp Scheduled for Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Due to the recent findings of EEE virus in mosquitoes in the Cicero Swamp area, aerial spraying of the Cicero Swamp and the immediate surrounding areas will take place on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 after 6:00 pm, weather permitting. If weather or wind conditions are unfavorable on Tuesday, the spraying will be conducted on the next appropriate day. The actual date will be announced to the public through local news, social media, and other communication channels, and residents in the spray areas will also be notified by phone through the 911 emergency notification system.

The designated spray areas are generally bounded on the north by Route 31, on the west by Northern Boulevard, on the south by Taft Road, and on the east by the county line (Chittenango Creek). Roads included in this area are: all or parts of Route 298, Bull Street, Eastwood Road, Island Road, Cicero Center Road, Fergerson Road, Ferstler Road, and Oxbow Road. To view a map of the spraying area, visit: www.ongov.net/health/documents/SprayMapCicero.pdf

The pesticide that will be used for aerial spraying is Kontrol 30-30. This pesticide is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for this use. A copy of the pesticide label can be found on the Onondaga County Health Department website at www.ongov.net/health/documents/MasterLineKontrol30-30label.pdf. A written copy of the label can be provided by calling 315.435.1649.

If you live in the spray area, from 6:00 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.
  • Close your car windows and car vents if you are driving during the spraying.

Onondaga County residents who would like to receive community alerts by wireless phones, text messages, and/or TTY may register for the Hyper-Reach Emergency Notification System through the Department of Emergency Communications—911 Center at www.ongov.net/911/notification.html. Landlines are already included in the 911 emergency notification system.

For more information about spraying and protecting yourself from mosquitoes, visit www.ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html or call the Onondaga County Health Department at 315.435.1649.

Mosquitoes Found Positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Viruses

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 both Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) and West Nile virus (WNV). Dr. Gupta explains that, “these viruses are 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.”

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.

West Nile Virus
Most people who are infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. One in five people who are infected develop a fever with symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Severe illness can strike at any age, however, people over 60 years of age and people with certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, or who have received organ transplants, are at higher risk.

Aerial Spraying Planned
The Onondaga County Health Department is making preparations to conduct aerial spraying of the Cicero Swamp and immediate surrounding areas. Gupta explains, “This proactive measure is done in an attempt to interrupt the virus cycle in the mosquito population. Spraying temporarily reduces the number of mosquitoes and therefore fewer mosquitoes are available to transmit 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 the news media and other communication channels.

Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites
Even though the mosquito counts have been steadily decreasing in our county, this first positive finding of EEEV and WNV in mosquitoes serves as a reminder for all residents that these viruses are 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 of a mosquito repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone is also recommended to prevent mosquito bites. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for application. 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.

Jamesville Beach Closed for Swimming Due to Visual Presence of Algal Bloom

The Onondaga County Health Department announced today that Jamesville Beach located in the Town of LaFayette is closed for swimming for the remainder of the season due to the visual presence of an algal bloom. Please note that although closed for swimming, the park’s other amenities remain open during normal hours of operation.

Algal blooms can turn the water green and can form thick surface scums on the water. Certain types of algae can release toxins that may cause skin or eye irritation, or diarrhea and vomiting if ingested. People and animals should keep out of the water where algal blooms are present in any body of water.

The Health Department recommends taking the following precautions:

  • Don’t swim, wade, boat, or fish near blooms or scums and don’t eat fish caught from waters with blooms
  • Don’t drink the water
  • Keep children and animals away from any blooms or scums
  • Rinse with clean water if exposed

To learn more about blue-green algae visit:

Time for Back-to-School Vaccines!

August is National Immunization Awareness Month

Now is the time to make sure your children’s vaccinations (shots) are up-to-date so that they are ready to return to school in September. Having all school required vaccines protects your child from harmful infections, protects 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.

New this year, New York State government has passed a law to no longer allow non-medical exemptions (including religious exemptions) from vaccine requirements. Students who previously held a non-medical exemption must have the first dose of all needed vaccines prior to the 14th day of school, and have appointments for any required follow-up doses by the 30th day of school. Students who do not meet these guidelines will be excluded from school until needed vaccines are obtained. Medical exemptions are still allowed.

Childhood vaccines protect against many serious and life-threatening diseases. Thanks to the widespread acceptance of vaccines, many of the infectious diseases that once were commonplace are now rare in the United States. However, outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as whooping cough, measles, or mumps can still happen in communities with low vaccination rates.

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? Visit the Onondaga County Health Department Immunization Clinic, located at the Civic Center, 421 Montgomery Street, Syracuse. All vaccines needed for school are offered, and a sliding fee scale is available. For more information on the clinic, call 315-435-2000.

Jamesville Beach Approved to Reopen for Swimming

The Onondaga County Health Department announced today that Jamesville Beach is approved to be reopened for swimming following satisfactory laboratory test results. The beach was closed on August 2 due to visual presence of an algal bloom that has since dissipated.

As a reminder, algae findings in shallow areas are not uncommon in the summer. Algal blooms can turn the water green and can form thick surface scums on the water. Certain types of algae can release toxins that may cause skin or eye irritation, or diarrhea and vomiting if ingested. People and animals should keep out of the water where algal blooms are present in any body of water.

To learn more about blue-green algae visit:

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

Jamesville Beach Closed for Swimming Due to Visual Presence of Algal Bloom

The Onondaga County Health Department announced today that Jamesville Beach located in the Town of LaFayette is closed for swimming due to the visual presence of an algal bloom. Water sampling will be conducted to confirm there are no toxins before the beach is reopened. Please note that although closed for swimming, the park’s other amenities remain open during normal hours of operation.

Algae findings in shallow areas are not uncommon in the summer. Algal blooms can turn the water green and can form thick surface scums on the water. Certain types of algae can release toxins that may cause skin or eye irritation, or diarrhea and vomiting if ingested. People and animals should keep out of the water where algal blooms are present in any body of water.

The Health Department recommends taking the following precautions:

  • Don’t swim, wade, boat, or fish near blooms or scums and don’t eat fish caught from waters with blooms
  • Don’t drink the water
  • Keep children and animals away from any blooms or scums
  • Rinse with clean water if exposed

To learn more about blue-green algae visit:

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

Annual Elimination of Water Chestnuts in the Seneca River

The Onondaga County Health Department will begin to reduce the number of water chestnuts in the Seneca River in the Baldwinsville and Three Rivers areas beginning August 5, 2019. Water chestnuts are plants that are rooted in the river bottom. Water chestnuts spread quickly and their seeds can remain dormant for several years making elimination of water chestnuts a multi-year effort. Due to its thick formation, water chestnuts hinder navigation, crowd native plants, and reduce fish habitat.

The only herbicide that will be used for this purpose is Clearcast (active ingredient: imazamox). Clearcast is considered safe for the control of vegetation in and natural bodies of water and non‐cropland sites. However, Clearcast is harmful if absorbed through the skin or inhaled and can cause moderate eye irritation. As a precautionary measure, we are asking the public to avoid the areas while they are being treated. Signs will be posted to identify the treated areas. Detailed descriptions and maps of the treatment areas are available at: https://www.ongov.net/health/env/waterchestnuts.html.

For more information about the Clearcast pesticide that will be used, please visit: https://www.sepro.com/documents/clearcast_Label.pdf

For more information about water chestnuts, please visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation fact sheet: https://on.ny.gov/32nBVZn

Fox Found Positive for Rabies in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Indu Gupta announced today that a fox in Onondaga County has tested positive for rabies. Three residents were exposed to rabies as a result of an encounter with the rabid fox; however, there are no human cases of rabies in Onondaga County. So far in 2019, five animals (two bats, one cat, one raccoon, and one fox) have tested positive for rabies in Onondaga County.

Dr. Gupta stresses, “This is the time of year that the public may encounter wildlife. It is important not to touch or feed wildlife because they may be rabid.” Protecting yourself from rabies is important year-round. Rabies is a fatal disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord. It can take several weeks to several months for rabies symptoms to appear. Although there is no treatment for rabies, it is PREVENTABLE in both human and pets.

Prevent Rabies in Your Pet and Yourself

  • 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 offers rabies shot clinics at many locations throughout Onondaga County. Upcoming 2019 clinics include:

  • Thursday, August 1, 5 to 7 pm Village of Minoa DPW, 100 Kalin Drive, Minoa
  • Thursday, August 15, 5 to 7 pm Lucy’s Church, 432 Gifford Street, Syracuse
  • Monday, September 9, 5 to 7 pm Cicero Parks & Rec. Garage, 8236 Brewerton Road, Cicero

All shots are free for Onondaga County residents. A voluntary donation per family is appreciated. Additional rabies shot clinics will be offered throughout the year. For a complete clinic schedule call 315.435.3280 or visit:  ongov.net/health/documents/RabiesClinicSchedule.pdf.

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/

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 July 16 due to water quality issues. Lisa Letteney, Director of Environmental Health, explained that water quality test results received today now show acceptable levels.

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 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 July 16 due to water quality issues. Lisa Letteney, Director of Environmental Health, explained that water quality test results received today now show acceptable levels.

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.