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. Please note that although closed for swimming, the park’s other amenities remain open during normal hours of operation.

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.

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:

 

Boil Water Order LIFTED for Village of Baldwinsville

The Onondaga County Health Department has lifted the Boil Water Order for the residents in the Village of Baldwinsville who were affected by inadequate disinfection (see June 12 press release here: https://wp.me/p5Edq9-6o)

Testing has confirmed that it is safe to resume drinking tap water.

For more information about the Boil Water Order, call the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 315.435.6600.

BOIL WATER ORDER: Inadequate Disinfection

Customers of the Village of Baldwinsville Water Department who live south of the Seneca River and on Paper Mill Island are hereby ordered by the Onondaga County Health Department to boil all water for drinking and culinary purposes.

On Wednesday, June 12, 2019, inadequate chlorine levels were found in the drinking water as a result of the chlorination system not working properly. Chlorine is a disinfectant that is used to destroy harmful microbes that could be in the drinking water.

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST.
Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water certified for sale by the New York State Department of Health.  Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills most bacteria and other organisms in the water.

Harmful microbes in drinking water can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. Inadequate disinfection may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.  The symptoms above are not just caused by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.

WHAT IS BEING DONE?
The problem was caused by a chlorination system equipment malfunction, which has already been resolved. You will be informed when adequate chlorine levels have been restored, tests show that no harmful bacteria are present, and you no longer need to boil your water. It is anticipated that the problem will be resolved within 3 days.

For more information, please contact Stephen Darcangelo from the Village of Baldwinsville at 315.289.2273 or the Onondaga County Health Department 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 yourself, your family, and your pets from rabies. Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease that is transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Fortunately, human rabies is rare in the United States. Although there is no treatment for rabies, it is PREVENTABLE in both human and pets.

There have already been positive cases of rabid animals reported this year in Onondaga County, both domestic as well as wild animals. “It is very important to never touch a wild animal”, emphasized Dr. Gupta. “If you find wildlife on your property, do not touch it, even if it looks friendly. If it is sick or injured, you may contact a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.” Take the following precautions to 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

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

  • Thursday, June 6­, 5:00 to 7:00 pm Camillus Town Hall, 4600 W. Genesee Street, Syracuse
  • Thursday, June 20, 5:00 to 7:00 pm SPCA, 5878 East Molloy Road, Mattydale
  • Thursday, July 18, 4:00 to 6:00 pm Onondaga Nation Fire Department, Route 11A, Nedrow
  • Thursday, August 1, 5:00 to 7:00 pm Village of Minoa DPW, 100 Kalin Drive, Minoa
  • Thursday, August 15, 5:00 to 7:00 pm Lucy’s Church, 432 Gifford Street, Syracuse

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/

Protect Yourself from Diseases Caused by Ticks and Mosquitoes

The Onondaga County Health Department is encouraging residents to protect themselves from mosquito and tick bites. Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta reminds residents, “Now that warmer weather has finally arrived, 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.”

The Health Department reminds residents to take personal protection measures during outdoor activities:

  • Wear shoes and light color socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.  Tuck in your shirt and tuck pants legs into boots or socks.  Check your body for ticks after being outdoors.
  • Consider using insect repellents as their use is important for preventing mosquito-borne diseases. Look for repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and other products that have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 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.  With any insect repellent, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on proper use and reapplication.

Dr. Gupta explains, “Mosquitoes can carry the viruses that spread diseases like West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV)”.  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. It is also very important to mosquito-proof your home by replacing or repairing broken screens. In addition, clean clogged rain gutters, turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use, change water in bird baths every four days, properly maintain swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs, drain water from pool covers, and use landscaping to eliminate low spots where standing water accumulates.

To avoid tick bites, Dr. Gupta stresses the importance of treating clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing, and camping gear; and will remain protective through several washings (https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_people.html).

It is also critical to check your body immediately after any outdoor activity for an attached tick for early removal. An infected tick must be attached to the skin for 36 hours to transmit the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. 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 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 about tick removal visit: cdc.gov/ticks/removing_a_tick.html

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).

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:

OCHD:
http://ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html 
http://ongov.net/health/env/lyme.html

NYS:
www.health.ny.gov/diseases/west_nile_virus/
www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme

CDC:
www.cdc.gov/westnile/
www.cdc.gov/EasternEquineEncephalitis/
www.cdc.gov/lyme/

EPA:
www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/skin-applied-repellent-ingredients

Tell Us What You Think About the Health of Our Community

The Onondaga County Health Department has launched the 2019 Community Engagement Survey and wants to hear from Onondaga County residents about health issues that matter to you. Onondaga County Executive, Ryan McMahon encourages residents to share their views by filling out the Community Engagement Survey. “The Community Engagement Survey helps us identify the health priorities of Onondaga County residents. The results will be used to set goals that will lead to the development of strategies to positively impact the health of our community, especially as we work to tackle the issue of poverty.” The 2019 Community Engagement Survey is now available online at: ongov.net/health in both English and in Spanish.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Indu Gupta, explained “The Community Engagement Survey asks questions on mental health, alcohol, chronic disease, cancer screening, and other important health related issues. This initiative is led by the Onondaga County Health Department in collaboration with local hospitals, and multiple community based organizations. The goal is to create a long-term plan and systematic approach to improve the health of community residents.” Dr. Gupta also shared that Health Department staff will be conducting engagement activities directly with community members and stakeholders to further help understand their health-related priorities.  

All survey responses will remain anonymous and will not be shared. As a thank you, participants can register to win a prize! The survey will be open until May 31, 2019. For more information, or questions about the survey, call the Onondaga County Health Department at 315.435.3280.

Boil Water Order LIFTED for Town of Skaneateles

The Onondaga County Health Department has lifted the Boil Water Order for the residents in the Town of Skaneateles who were affected by a water main break (see May 2 press release here: https://bit.ly/2JbQVCC).

The water main break has been repaired and testing has confirmed that it is safe to resume drinking tap water.

For more information about the Boil Water Order, call the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 315.435.6600.

BOIL WATER ORDER: Loss of Pressure in Town of Skaneateles Water

Customers of the Town of Skaneateles living on Route 20 (between County Line Road and Fuller Street), Transportation Drive, Hillside Drive, Franklin Road, Clapp Road, Milford Drive, W. Elizabeth Drive (between Milford Drive and Franklin Road), and County Line Road (between Route 20 and Old Seneca Turnpike) are hereby ordered by the Onondaga County Health Department to boil all water for drinking and culinary purposes.

At about 9:00 PM on May 1, 2019 the water system lost pressure due to a water main break.  When the distribution pipes and mains lose pressure, it increases the chance that untreated water and harmful microbes could enter the system.

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water certified for sale by the New York State Department of Health.  Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills most bacteria and other organisms in the water.

Harmful microbes in drinking water can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, some elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.  The symptoms above are not just caused by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.

What is being done?
The water main break was identified, repaired, and the distribution system is being flushed.  You will be informed when tests confirm that no harmful bacteria are in the system and you no longer need to boil your water. It is anticipated that the problem will be resolved within three days.

For more information, please contact Joe Dwyer of Skaneateles WDs at 315-729-3483 or the Onondaga County Health Department at 315-435-6600.

National Infant Immunization Week

Infants are at high risk of serious diseases.  It is important that infants be protected by getting all of the recommended immunizations (vaccines) to build defense against serious diseases.  National Infant Immunization Week is recognized during the week of April 27 – May 4, 2019. Parents are encouraged to talk to their child’s doctor to make sure that their baby is up-to-date on vaccines.

Immunizations protect the individual as well as families and communities. Infants who are not up-to-date on their immunizations increase their risk of disease and put others at risk.  While there may be some minor side effects from immunizations, all licensed vaccines are rigorously monitored for efficiency and safety. If you have questions about vaccine safety, your health care provider remains the most trusted source of information about vaccines.

Take time during National Infant Immunization Week to be certain your baby is up-to-date on their immunizations. For more information about vaccine preventable diseases and the importance of immunizations, contact your health care provider or visit the Onondaga County Health Department website at http://ongov.net/health/vaccinesimmunizations.html.