Extreme Heat Precautions

Onondaga County Commissioner of Health, Dr. Indu Gupta, is advising that individuals take precautions when the temperatures and humidity are high. A heat advisory is in effect for our area from 10am – 8pm today, with the heat index – which is how hot it really feels – expected to reach between 95 and 100 degrees. The high heat index, besides making people uncomfortable, also significantly worsens the air quality. Dr. Gupta explained, “During these extreme heat conditions, residents should take steps to stay cool. Seniors, small children, overweight individuals, those with chronic health problems, or those who take certain medications, are at an increased risk for heat-related illness.” Also, air pollution concentrations may become unhealthy for sensitive groups, like children and seniors, as well as those suffering from heart or lung diseases. The effects can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or outdoor exercise.

During this 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: www.health.ny.gov/environmental/weather/cooling/countycenters
  • Keep draperies 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 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. Be aware of the symptoms of heat-related illness: headache, nausea, muscle cramping, weakness, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. In extreme cases, a person may develop hot dry skin (no sweating), confusion, or unconsciousness which may indicate heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can result in death if not treated promptly. 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.

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 that “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 repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. 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 also carry the viruses that spread diseases like West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV)”.  The Health Department will begin the annual mosquito surveillance and control program in late May.  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. Mosquito proof your home by replacing or repairing broken screens. 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.

Dr. Gupta further stresses the importance of checking your body immediately after any outdoor activity for an attached tick.  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 wooden areas.  In addition, do not feed deer on your property.  If you see a tick, 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: https://www.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:
/health/mosquitoborne.html
/health/lyme.html

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

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

National Infant Immunization Week

Infants and children are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases.  Therefore, it is essential that children be protected by getting all of the recommended immunizations (shots) to protect against serious diseases.  National Infant Immunization Week is recognized during the week of April 21 – April 28, 2018.

Immunizations protect the individual as well as families and communities. Children who are not immunized increase their risk of disease, as well as the risk to others.  In the United States, we can protect children against fourteen (14) different diseases before the age of two.

This health observance helps to remind and encourage all parents to consult with their health care provider to ensure that their children are up-to-date on their shots.  Health care professionals remain parents’ most trusted source of information about vaccines for their children.  While there may be some minor side effects from immunizations, all licensed vaccines are rigorously monitored for efficiency and safety.

Take time during National Infant Immunization Week to be certain your child is up-to-date on their immunizations. For more information about vaccine preventable diseases and the importance of immunizations, contact your health care provider, the Onondaga County Health Department at 315-435-2000, or visit the CDC Immunization website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html.

Shake, Shake, Shake?

By Roseanne Jones, MS, RDN, CDN

As a Registered Dietitian, I do like to “shake things up” while I am working but the past couple of months, I did a lot less shakin’!
Let me explain.

Recently, I have been working with Chef Bill Collins, a Culinary Specialist at Syracuse University, to gather chefs and cooks in our community for salt-reduction training. Chef Bill Collins FALK Health Department Flavor and Savor Training SCSD Nutrition and Food Service Staff 2018Reducing salt in our diet is important because it may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Too much sodium (salt) increases the risk of heart disease, which is the number one cause of death in the United States. Chef Collins demonstrated how to decrease salt in the foods we eat in four really easy ways:

  • buy foods that are low in sodium (salt)
  • dilute the sodium by increasing the volume by adding ingredients to prepared foods such as chopped vegetables, plain yogurt, fresh fruit, tofu… the list goes on!
  • add “flavor bursts”  to your food with herbs, spices, citrus, garlic, and onions
  • decrease the portion sizes of your food (instead of a 12-inch tortilla use an 8-inch tortilla).

Salt is hiding in foods. It’s true!

Chef Bill Collins FALK Health Department Flavor and Savor Training SCSD Nutrition and Food Service Staff 2018
It’s true that most of the salt we consume comes from the foods we buy pre-made from the grocery store and from restaurants…..not the salt shaker.  The problem with buying prepared foods is that you can’t take the salt out of the existing food.   So, it is a good idea to cook from scratch when you can because you can control the salt.  When that isn’t possible, buy items that are fresh and lower in sodium!

I have the answer for you!

Read your food labels so that you really know what is in the product, look for  “low-sodium “ products, cook at home more often, cook from scratch (because you can limit the salt), and eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. Learn more by checking out the training!

Check out the video below of the training with Chef Collins!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdxDFpu2iyo]

FREE Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests Are Available

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. All men and women are at risk for colorectal cancer but it occurs most often in adults over the age of 50. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women. The best prevention for colorectal cancer is to undergo colorectal cancer screening tests.

Early detection saves lives.
Colorectal cancer usually starts from precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum, which can develop into cancer over time. Sometimes polyps will bleed and a person may notice blood in their stool. Other symptoms of colorectal cancer may include abdominal pain or bloating that doesn’t go away or unexplained weight loss. But, it is important to remember that colorectal cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms at first. This is why having screening tests for colorectal cancer on a regular basis is important.

Adults between the ages of 50 and 75 should be tested.
Some screening tests can be used to find polyps while others look for specific signs of colorectal cancer. The FIT (fecal immunochemical test) Kit is an at-home stool testing kit which looks for blood in a person’s stool. A colonoscopy is a test which allows your doctor to find and remove polyps in the colon or rectum. Talk to your doctor to determine which test is right for you and how often you should be screened.

Free colorectal cancer screening tests are available.
The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) offers free tests for men and women between 50 and 64 years old who do not have health insurance or experience other barriers. 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 test.

Remember, if you are between 50 and 64 years old and do NOT have health insurance, call 315-435-3653 to see if you qualify for free colorectal cancer screening. Early detection of colorectal cancer saves lives. Take care of yourself and schedule your appointment today!

Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). 2017. Colorectal Cancer Screening. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/pdf/b

Flu is Widespread in Onondaga County

The number of local flu cases has been rising significantly in the past several weeks. From October 2017 through the week ending January 7, 2018, 657 cases of flu have been reported to the Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD). Emergency rooms of local area hospitals are reporting more cases of flu or influenza like illnesses (ILI) along with a high number of flu-associated hospitalizations.

Flu is a viral respiratory infection that causes fever, aches, and coughing. It spreads from one person to another by cough droplets or by direct contact with someone who has the flu. Most healthy adults can infect others 1 day before symptoms appear and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Young children and people with weakened immune systems may be able to infect others for an even longer time.

The current prevalent circulating virus is flu A (H3N2), a strain which is included in this year’s vaccine. In the past, A(H3N2)-predominant flu seasons have been associated with more severe illness, especially in persons aged 65 years and older and young children. In addition, in previous seasons influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) has been lower against A(H3N2) than against influenza A(H1N1) or influenza B viruses.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta strongly urges county residents to take steps to protect themselves and others against the flu:

  • Practice precautions to stop the spread of flu infection: If you are sick, stay home until you are free of fever for at least one day. Practice social distancing, cover your cough and sneeze, and wash your hands often with soap and water.
  • Call your healthcare provider immediately if you think you have the flu, especially if you are at high risk to develop severe complications such as very young or old ages, chronic lung disease, asthma, diabetes, or if you are obese or pregnant. Do not go to the Emergency Department or Prompt Care unless your symptoms are severe or you are told by your physician to go there.
  • Prevent flu by getting vaccinated: Anyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot. Getting the flu shot is one of the most important ways to protect against influenza. It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine.

Please contact your healthcare provider if you have not received a flu shot. Onondaga County Health Department also provides free flu shots for uninsured and underinsured Onondaga County residents every Wednesday from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon in room 30 of the John H. Mulroy Civic Center. Call 315-435-2000 for more information.
For weekly flu data updates, visit our website: www.ongov.net/health/fluandpneumonia.html

Film Students Team Up with the Health Department to Promote Safe Sleep for Infants

By Lisa GreenMills, Program Coordinator, Syracuse Healthy Start
and Kara Verbanic, Public Health Educator

Finding out you’re pregnant can be life-changing news, and along with all the congratulations and well wishes from family and friends, new parents also get bombarded with plenty of unsolicited advice! It can range from helpful, to mildly amusing, to outright absurd! One thing we all hear though is “get used to not sleeping!” It really is hard to understand the exhaustion you’ll feel as a new parent until you actually experience it firsthand. Those first few weeks and months can be so difficult.

During those initial sleepless nights, friends and family might give you even more advice on getting your baby to sleep. You might hear that babies sleep better snuggled up with their parents, lying on their bellies, or surrounded by cute stuffed animals and blankets. Maybe back when you were a child, you even slept in bed with your parents. Times have changed though, and now that we know better, we can do better to protect our new baby. We now know that sleeping with an infant is very dangerous, and many babies have accidentally suffocated under pillows, blankets, between couch cushions, or their own parents’ bodies.

The fact is, every year right here in Onondaga County, infants are dying in unsafe sleep environments. It’s sad to even think about, but it’s important for every family to understand the risk factors and learn what they can do to help keep their babies safe. That’s why staff at the Onondaga County Health Department’s Healthy Families Division recently partnered with a team of students from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University to develop a Public Service Announcement (PSA) urging new parents to practice the ABCs of Safe Sleep, and most of all, to stay strong when it comes to infant sleep! Even though it’s difficult, Safe Sleep is always the best option.

Check out the video the students created and take a minute to learn the ABCs of Safe Sleep:

  • Baby should sleep ALONE
  • Put Baby to sleep on their BACK
  • Put Baby to sleep in a CRIB.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D-NrUy6OeY]

Safe Sleep Tips:

  • Place your baby on his or her back every time your baby sleeps (including naps).
  • Use a crib with a firm mattress that fits tight, without any space between the mattress and the side of the crib.
  • Babies should never sleep on soft surfaces (such as adult beds, sofas, armchairs, or pillows). Not even for a nap.
  • Breastfeeding is recommended and is associated with a reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
  • Place your baby to sleep in the same room as you but not in the same bed, for at least the first 6 months, ideally for the first year.
  • Keep soft objects or loose bedding out of the crib. This includes pillows, blankets, and bumper pads. Bumper pads should not be used in cribs. Wedges and positioners should not be used.
  • Do not overheat the baby or bundle the baby with lots of blankets. Instead, dress the baby in a wearable blanket sleeper at bedtime.
  • Do not smoke during pregnancy or after the baby is born. And, do not let anyone else smoke around your baby.
  • Avoid alcohol and illicit drug use during pregnancy and after birth.
  • Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime. Offer pacifiers to breastfed infants only after breastfeeding is firmly established.
  • Car seats and other sitting devices are not recommended for routine sleep.
  • Remember to tell family, friends, and child care providers about infant safe sleep tips so that your baby sleeps safely every time.
  • Make sure your baby has a safe place to sleep when visiting or traveling.

Healthy Families, a program of the Onondaga County Health Department, offers services for infants, children, new moms, and dads. Free and confidential home visits are available at their home or another location that works for them. For more information, call 315.435.2000 or visit www.onhealthyfamilies.com.

Special thanks to the faculty and students of S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications for the production of this video:
Robert Emerson, Adjunct Professor ─Television, Radio, and Film
Students: Jillian Mitchell, Christopher Sechler, Marisa Torelli-Pedevska, Emily Campbell, and Cameron Hill

Community Urged to Take Precautions During Severe Cold

Due to the Wind Chill Warning issued for Onondaga County from 10:00 pm this evening to 7:00 am Sunday, Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta recommends that Onondaga County residents take precautions against the hazards of severe cold weather to prevent cold related injuries and carbon monoxide poisoning. Dr. Gupta stated, “With the extreme cold in the forecast, people, especially the elderly and young children, need to take measures to protect themselves from hypothermia and frostbite.” Dr. Gupta also explained that it is important to make sure your home is safely heated and reminds residents to check on other family members and neighbors during extremely cold weather. Homeless individuals are encouraged to seek shelter if possible. If you have pets, bring them inside. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate, warm shelter and unfrozen water to drink.

Hypothermia – or lowered body temperature, can occur after prolonged exposure to cold environment. As per the NYS Department of Health, the following are signs, symptoms, and management of hypothermia:

Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia:

  • Shivering
  • Confusion
  • Memory loss
  • Drowsiness
  • Exhaustion
  • Slurred speech
  • Glassy stare
  • Slow, irregular pulse
  • Numbness
  • Decreased level of consciousness

Management of Hypothermia:

  • Remove all wet/cold clothing
  • Place individual in dry blankets/clothing
  • If conscious, provide warm beverage
  • If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or others, immediately seek medical help

Frostbite – is an injury to exposed body parts such as the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes caused by freezing. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas.  It can permanently damage body parts if not promptly treated.

Signs and Symptoms of Frostbite:

  • Any discoloration of the skin such as flushed, white, yellow, or blue
  • depending on the length of exposure
  • Waxy appearance of skin
  • Lack of feeling or numbness

Management of Frostbite:

  • Handle the frostbitten area gently
  • Do not rub the area
  • Expose the affected area to a source of warmth
  • Seek medical attention

General Safety Tips during Cold Weather:

  • Stay indoors, if possible
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages, which cause the body to lose heat more rapidly
  • Do not ignore shivering – it is an important first sign that the body is losing heat and a signal to quickly return indoors

When going outdoors, adults and children should wear:

  • Several layers of loose-fitting clothing
  • A wind and water-resistant coat
  • A scarf to cover their face and mouth, hat, and gloves or mittens
  • Insulated waterproof boots

It is also important to stay safe when heating your home, especially during a power outage. Take precautions to avoid exposure to carbon monoxide any time a fossil fuel such as natural gas, oil, or coal is burned. Make sure that both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas and is hard to detect. Common symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, confusion, and can lead to death. Do not ignore these symptoms, especially if more than one person is feeling them. Get medical help right away.

  • Carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented by taking the following precautions:
  • Install a carbon monoxide detector which is battery powered or has a battery back-up and is certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
  • Have gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. Be sure that the flues and chimneys are in good working condition.
  • Choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible.
  • Read and follow all the instructions that come with any fuel-burning device.
  • Do not idle the car in a garage, even if the garage door to the outside is open.
  • Do not use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
  • Do not use a charcoal grill indoors, even in a fireplace.
  • Do not sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.
  • Do not use any gas-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers, snow blower, chain saws, small engines, or generators) in enclosed spaces.

For more information on how to reduce your risks from carbon monoxide contact the Upstate New York Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 or visit www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm. For more information about hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold weather conditions, visit www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/guide.html.

Take Precautions During Cold Weather

Due to the Wind Chill Advisory issued for Onondaga County through Thursday afternoon and cold weather expected to last through next week, Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta, MD, MPH, recommends that Onondaga County residents take precautions against the hazards of severe cold weather to prevent cold related injuries and carbon monoxide poisoning. Dr. Gupta stated, “With these low temperatures, people, especially the elderly and young children, are at risk for hypothermia and frostbite.” Dr. Gupta also explained that it is important to make sure your home is safely heated and reminds residents to check on other family members and neighbors during extremely cold weather. Homeless individuals are encouraged to seek shelter if possible.

Hypothermia – or lowered body temperature, can occur after prolonged exposure to cold environment. As per the NYS Department of Health, the following are signs, symptoms, and management of hypothermia:

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Shivering
  • Confusion
  • Memory loss
  • Drowsiness
  • Exhaustion
  • Slurred speech
  • Glassy stare
  • Slow, irregular pulse
  • Numbness
  • Decreased level of consciousness

Management:

  • Remove all wet/cold clothing
  • Place individual in dry blankets/clothing
  • If conscious, provide warm beverage
  • Seek/provide medical attention if further treatment is required
  • If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or others, immediately seek medical help

Frostbite – is an injury to exposed body parts such as the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes caused by freezing. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas.  It can permanently damage body parts if not promptly treated.

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Any discoloration of the skin such as flushed, white, yellow, or blue
  • depending on the length of exposure
  • Waxy appearance of skin
  • Lack of feeling or numbness

Management:

  • Handle the frostbitten area gently
  • Do not rub the area
  • Expose the affected area to a source of warmth
  • Seek medical attention

General Safety Tips during Cold Weather:

  • Stay indoors, if possible
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages, which cause the body to lose heat more rapidly
  • Do not ignore shivering – it is an important first sign that the body is losing heat and a signal to quickly return indoors

When going outdoors, adults and children should wear:

  • Several layers of loose-fitting clothing
  • A wind and water-resistant coat
  • A scarf to cover their face and mouth, hat, and gloves or mittens
  • Insulated waterproof boots

It is also important to stay safe when heating your home, especially during a power outage. Take precautions to avoid exposure to carbon monoxide any time a fossil fuel such as natural gas, oil, or coal is burned. Make sure that both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas and is hard to detect. Common symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, confusion, and can lead to death. Do not ignore these symptoms, especially if more than one person is feeling them. Get medical help right away.

  • Carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented by taking the following precautions:
  • Install a carbon monoxide detector which is battery powered or has a battery back-up and is certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
  • Have gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. Be sure that the flues and chimneys are in good working condition.
  • Choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible.
  • Read and follow all the instructions that come with any fuel-burning device.
  • Do not idle the car in a garage, even if the garage door to the outside is open.
  • Do not use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
  • Do not use a charcoal grill indoors, even in a fireplace.
  • Do not sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.
  • Do not use any gas-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers, snow blower, chain saws, small engines, or generators) in enclosed spaces.

For more information on how to reduce your risks from carbon monoxide contact the Upstate New York Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 or visit www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm. For more information about hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold weather conditions, visit www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/guide.html.

Testing for Blue-Green Algae at Skaneateles Lake Ending

The Health Department reported today that testing for blue-green algae in Skaneateles Lake is now complete.  Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta explained, “There have been three consecutive rounds of testing done which have indicated non-detectable levels of toxin at all points where sampling occurred. Based on these results, the fact that there have been no reports of visible blooms on the lake, and in consultation with the NYSDOH, we have concluded that sampling of Skaneateles Lake water can be safely stopped.”

Following the report of algal blooms in Skaneateles Lake in mid-September, the Onondaga County Health Department has been working collaboratively with both the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the City of Syracuse Water Department, to collect samples to determine whether the levels of algal toxin could impact the municipalities that use Skaneateles Lake as a public drinking water supply.

As cooler temperatures have arrived, the blue-green algal bloom has naturally dissipated.  Sampling has consistently shown non-detectable levels of toxin for drinking water reaching customers of the public system, including the City of Syracuse, the Town of Dewitt, the Village of Skaneateles, the Town of Skaneateles, the Town of Elbridge, the Village of Elbridge and the Village of Jordan. Those residents who use private surface water intakes are advised to never drink untreated surface water. Even if an in-home treatment system is present, bottled water should be used during a bloom. Please refer to the fact sheet: Harmful Blue-green Algae Blooms: Understanding the Risks of Piping Surface Water into Your Home, posted on our website.

For information about blue- green algae, sample results, or using surface water as a drinking water source, please visit our website at: /health/bluegreenalgae.html