Onondaga County Cancer Services Program Continues to Offer Free Cancer Screenings

The Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) will continue to provide cancer screening services for uninsured and underinsured residents with support from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). Since 1987, the Cancer Services Program (CSP) of Onondaga County has collaborated with the NYSDOH, local healthcare providers, and community agencies to offer free screening and follow up services for breast, cervical, and colon cancers to uninsured and underinsured residents of Onondaga County. Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Indu Gupta states, “While cancer is the second leading cause of death in Onondaga County, early detection and treatment often leads to better health outcomes. I am so pleased that the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program will be able to continue offering free cancer screenings for Onondaga residents without health insurance or who have limited coverage.”

Free mammograms and Pap tests are available through the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) for women between the ages of 40 and 64 who do not have health insurance or who experience other barriers to completing their screenings. Free colorectal cancer screening is also available for men and women between the ages of 50 and 64 without health insurance. Services are available at many healthcare provider sites throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County. Call 315-435-3653 or visit the CSP website at ongov.net/health/cancerscreening.html to register for your free screening.

Confirmed Case of Meningococcal Meningitis In a Syracuse University Student

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Indu Gupta, is confirming a single, isolated case of serogroup B meningococcal meningitis in a Syracuse University student. The individual, who was hospitalized, has since been discharged and is recovering at home. The student’s close contacts, who are at increased risk of infection from this case, have been identified and provided with antibiotic prophylaxis. The general Syracuse University community is not at increased risk from this isolated case.

Meningococcal disease is a rare, but very serious illness caused by a type of bacterium called Neisseria meningitidis. People spread meningococcal bacteria to other people by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit). Generally, it takes close contact (for example, coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact to spread these bacteria. Fortunately, they are not as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or the flu. People do not catch them through casual contact or by breathing air where someone with meningococcal disease has been.

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent meningococcal disease. Other ways to prevent infection include washing your hands often and avoiding sharing things like silverware, drinking containers, lipstick, and smoking materials.

The Onondaga County Health Department is working closely with the New York State Department of Health and Syracuse University and will continue monitoring the situation. Individuals who have questions about meningococcal meningitis or other forms of meningococcal disease can contact Syracuse University Health Services, their healthcare provider or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention meningococcal disease website at  www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/.

Breast Cancer: It’s Not Just One Disease

By Emily Young, Public Health Educator

Although often thought of as just one disease, there are many types of breast cancer. A woman’s treatment options and prognosis are dependent upon the type of breast cancer that’s diagnosed. In order to determine this, all tumors are tested for estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. Breast tumors that have estrogen and/or progesterone receptors can be treated with hormone therapy. Anti-HER2 targeted therapies are used to treat tumors that are positive for HER2 receptors.

In the U.S., about 15-20% of breast cancers are classified as being triple negative. ThisTriple-Negative Breast Cancer, CDC means that the breast tumor has very few or no receptors at all for estrogen, progesterone, and HER2. Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) has a tendency to be more aggressive than other breast cancer types and is more likely to have an earlier recurrence that usually spreads to other parts of the body. TNBC seems to occur more in younger women, African-American women, and women who have the BRCA1 gene mutation.

Breast cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. With early detection breast cancer is usually easier to treat and often has better outcomes. A mammogram is the best test to find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt a doctor during a clinical breast exam. Screening guidelines recommend that women between the ages of 50 and 74 have a mammogram every two years. Women between the ages of 40 and 49 should check with their healthcare provider to see if a mammogram is recommended for them.

Free mammograms are available through the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) for women between the ages of 40 and 64 who do not have health insurance or experience other barriers to completing their screenings.  Services are available at many healthcare provider sites throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County. Call 315-435-3653 or visit the CSP website at ongov.net/health/cancerscreening.html to register for your free mammogram.

Learn more about breast cancer and current federal screening guidelines at: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/risk_factors.htm

https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/UpdateSummaryFinal/breast-cancer-screening1?ds=1&s=breast%20cancer

FREE Mammograms are Available

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among United States women, no matter your race or ethnicity. The three main risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman, getting older, and certain genetic changes.

Most women (about 8 out of 10) who get breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.  However, women who have close blood relatives like a mother or sister who have had breast cancer are at a higher risk themselves.  About 5-10% of breast cancers are thought to be hereditary, meaning they result directly from gene changes passed on from a parent.  The most common cause of hereditary breast cancer is an inherited change in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

Breast cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. If symptoms do appear, they may include the following:

  • a lump, hard knot, or thickening in the breast or underarm area
  • new pain in one spot that does not go away
  • nipple discharge that starts suddenly
  • pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast
  • dimpling or puckering of the breast skin
  • any change in the size or shape of the breast
  • swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening of the breast skin
  • itchy, scaly sore, or rash on the nipple.

Routine screenings are an important step to help find breast cancer early.  With early detection breast cancer is usually easier to treat and has better outcomes.  A mammogram is the best test to detect breast cancer early.

Free mammograms are available through the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) for women between the ages of 40 and 64 who do not have health insurance or who experience other barriers to completing their screenings.  Services are available at many healthcare provider sites throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County. Call 315-435-3653 or visit the CSP website at ongov.net/health/cancerscreening.html to register for your free mammogram.

Whether you have health insurance or not, having a mammogram may save your life. Remember, if you are a woman between the ages of 40 and 64 and do NOT have health insurance, call 315-435-3653 to see if you qualify for a free mammogram.  Take care of yourself this October and schedule your mammogram today!

Don’t Forget Your Flu Vaccine!

This fall, remember to get your flu vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older receive an annual flu vaccine. Everyone should be vaccinated yearly because immunity to flu viruses declines over time and circulating flu strains often change from year to year.

Dr. Indu Gupta, Onondaga County Health Commissioner, explained, “Everyone should get the flu vaccine to protect themselves, their family, and their community.” Dr. Gupta further emphasized that the flu vaccine is especially important for children and adults at high risk for complications from the flu or for those who are caregivers for people at high risk such as:

  • Children 6 months through 59 months of age
  • People 50 years of age and older
  • Pregnant women
  • People of any age with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and diabetes
  • People who have a weakened immune system due to any cause
  • People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
  • American Indians / Alaska Natives
  • Persons who are extremely obese (BMI ≥ 40)
  • People who live with or care for those who are at high risk for complications including:
    • Health care workers
    • Household contacts of persons who are ≤ 5 years of age and adults ≥ 50 years of age
    • Household contacts and caregivers of persons with a medical condition that put them at high risk for complications

This year, the nasal spray Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (also known as FluMist®), will once again be available. In addition to getting vaccinated, staying home when you are sick, good hand hygiene, and practicing cough etiquette throughout the season will reduce your chance of getting or spreading the flu. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to ask about getting flu vaccine today! If you do not have health insurance and are looking for a flu vaccine, call the Onondaga County Health Department at 315-435-2000.

First Two Human Cases of West Nile Virus in Onondaga County for 2018

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta stated today that the first cases of human West Nile virus infection for 2018 were reported in two adults residing in Onondaga County. After being hospitalized in local hospitals earlier this month, both were discharged in stable condition, and are recovering at home.

West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and is considered to be endemic, or widespread, in Central New York. Dr. Gupta explained that. Mosquitoes carrying the virus have been found in numerous mosquito traps throughout the county this summer.”

While most people infected with West Nile virus (WNV) do not develop symptoms, 1 in 5 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, or who have received organ transplants, are at higher risk. Symptoms of severe illness may include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, stupor, disorientation, tremors, seizures, paralysis, and coma that could lead to death. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for WNV infection. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms.

Dr. Gupta continued, “Even though the numbers of mosquitoes are down at this time of the year, we continue to see positive pools of mosquito in our weekly mosquito traps. It takes only one infected mosquito to transmit infection into human. Therefore protecting yourself from mosquito bites is the best way to avoid WNV infection.” Personal protection is recommended during outdoor activities by wearing shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Applying a mosquito repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone is also recommended to prevent mosquito bites. Do not put the repellent on your face or directly onto children; put it on your hands and apply it to your child. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for application.

It is also important to get rid of mosquito breeding grounds to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home:
•    Throw away outdoor containers, ceramic pots or containers that hold water
•    Remove all tires from your property
•    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 bird baths at least every four days
•    Clean chlorinated swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs
•    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 ongov.net/health/mosquitoborne.html or contact the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at (315) 435-1649.

Spraying of the Cicero Swamp Scheduled for Sunday, August 19, 2018

Due to the finding of EEE in a mosquito pool, aerial spraying of the Cicero Swamp and the immediate surrounding areas will take place on Sunday, August 19, 2018 after 7:00 pm, weather permitting. If weather or wind conditions are unfavorable on Sunday, 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 7:00 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.

For more information about spraying and protecting yourself from mosquitoes, visit www.ongov.net/health/mosquitoborne.html or call the Onondaga County Health Department at 315-435-1649.

Additional Findings of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Indu Gupta, has been notified that there are two additional findings of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) in mosquito pools collected from traps in the Cicero Swamp area of the town of Cicero. The traps are located at East Taft Road and at Route 298. This is the second finding at the Taft Road trap. Dr. Gupta explains, “EEE is a rare disease that is caused by a virus spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, therefore it is extremely important that people use personal protection measures to help reduce their risk of being bitten by a mosquito.”

The Onondaga County Health Department is making preparations to conduct aerial spraying of the Cicero Swamp and immediate surrounding areas as early as this Wednesday, weather permitting. Gupta explains, “This proactive measure is done in an attempt to interrupt the virus cycle in the mosquito population. Reducing the number of mosquitoes (although it is temporary) can reduce the number of mosquitoes 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 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 presence of both EEEV and West Nile Virus in our county is a reminder that no matter where you live, it is important to be consistent in protecting yourself and your family from mosquito bites. 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. Applying a mosquito repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone is also recommended to prevent mosquito bites. 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. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for application.

It is also important to get rid of mosquito breeding grounds to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home:

  • 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 bird baths 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 spraying and protecting yourself from mosquitoes, visit www.ongov.net/health/mosquitoborne.html or contact the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at (315) 435-1649.

Oneida Shores Beach Reopened for Swimming

The Onondaga County Health Department announced today that Oneida Shores Beach, located in the town of Cicero, is open again for swimming.  Swimming at Oneida Shores was closed due water quality issues. Lisa Letteney, Director of Environmental Health, explained that water quality test results received today now show acceptable levels.

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: