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: http://www.ongov.net/health/env/waterchestnuts.html.

For more information about the Clearcast pesticide that will be used, please visit: http://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.

Extreme Heat Precautions

Onondaga County Commissioner of Health, Dr. Indu Gupta, is advising that individuals take precautions against the extreme heat and high heat index expected later this week. 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, “Residents should take steps to stay cool during these extreme heat conditions, especially those who are at an increased risk for heat-related illness such as the elderly, small children, overweight individuals, those with chronic health problems, or those who take certain medications.” To stay healthy during hot weather it is important for everyone 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 your home is not air-conditioned, visit public places such as senior centers, libraries, and malls. A listing is available at: health.ny.gov/environmental/weather/cooling/countycenters.htm#onondaga
  • 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 prevention tips call the Onondaga County Health Department at 315.435.3280 or visit www.ongov.net/health/heat.html or http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/faq.asp.

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 Tuesday, July 9 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.