Flu Vaccine Now Available at Onondaga County Health Department Immunication Clinic

Get your annual flu vaccine! The Onondaga County Health Department is now offering the flu vaccine at the Onondaga County Immunization Clinic. This is a walk-in clinic and no appointment is necessary. Vaccines are free for Onondaga County residents while supplies last. The Onondaga County Immunization Clinic will provide flu vaccines for anyone six (6) months of age and older. Because of changes in CDC recommendations, FluMist® will not be available this year. The clinic is held weekly on Wednesday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and is located in room 30 of the John H. Mulroy Civic Center, 421 Montgomery Street, Syracuse, NY 13202.

According to the CDC, getting a flu vaccine every year is particularly important for persons at high risk for complications from the flu or for those who have contact with people at high risk. Those include the following:

  • Pregnant women
  • Children younger than age five, but especially children younger than two years old
  • People 50 years of age and older
  • People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
  • People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
  • People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:

-Health care workers
-Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
-Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than six months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

Children under the age of nine who have never had the flu vaccine series will need two doses of vaccine. The second vaccine should be given four weeks after the first vaccine. If your child is under age nine (9) and only received one dose of vaccine last year, they should receive one dose this year.

Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to protect your health as well as the health of your family, friends, and others. Get your flu vaccine to protect yourself and others! For more information about the Immunization Clinic, visit ongov.net/health/generalclinics.html or call (315) 435-2000.

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week: October 23-30, 2016

In Onondaga County, approximately 6% of the children tested in 2015 had high blood lead testing results requiring additional monitoring and follow-up.

To heighten awareness of childhood lead poisoning prevention, the Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) along with the CDC, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is participating in National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) October 23rd to the 30th. Dr. Indu Gupta, Onondaga County Health Commissioner, emphasized “that there are many ways families can reduce a child’s exposure to lead”.

Dr. Gupta stresses the importance of following these simple steps to prevent childhood lead poisoning:
  • Get your child tested. Have your child tested at age 1 and again at age 2. Even if your child seems healthy, ask your doctor to do a blood lead test.
  • Get your home tested for lead. If you rent your home, call the OCHD Lead Program to ask about getting a free lead home inspection.
  • Get information on safely removing lead paint from your older home (pre-1978).  Home repair grants are available to remove lead from homes in the city of Syracuse and throughout Onondaga County.   Hiring a contractor?  Choose only contractors with Lead Safe Worker training and certification.
  • Get the facts! The Lead Program can provide more information on how to prevent childhood lead poisoning. Call 435-3271, email us at LeadFreeKids@ongov.net, visit www.ongov.net/health/lead, and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ongovhealth.

 

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 aged 40 to 64 who do not have health insurance.  Services are available at many healthcare provider sites throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County.  If you do not have health insurance and are aged 40 to 64 years old call 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, the bottom line is that having a mammogram may save your life. Remember, if you are a woman aged 40 to 64 and do NOT have health insurance, call 435-3653 to see if you qualify for a free mammogram.  Take care of yourself this October and schedule your mammogram today!

 

Let’s Get Pretty in Pink this October!

By Emily Young, Public Health Educator, Cancer Services Program

In October the leaves are changing colors and signs of pumpkins are all around, but in my world, I see pink! The Onondaga County Health Department’s Cancer Services Program (CSP) is partnering with several local pumpkins patches and diners to raise awareness about the importance of women getting routine mammograms. Look for our pink pumpkins when you’re out and about this month!
pink-pumpkin-3-cropped

Pink pumpkins are a colorful way to promote the importance of screening for breast cancer. We know that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the US, no matter race or ethnicity. But there is good news! Breast cancer that is found early when it’s small and hasn’t spread is usually easier to treat and has better outcomes. A mammogram is the best test to detect breast cancer early.

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Location Change for September 8th Rabies Clinic

The location of the Onondaga County Health Department’s (OCHD) Rabies Shot Clinic scheduled for Thursday, September 8, 2016 at the SPCA on East Molloy Road has changed. The clinic will now be held at OCHD’s location at 6230 East Molloy Road in East Syracuse from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Please keep your pets on a leash and bring your pet’s rabies shot records.

For information about rabies prevention, please visit www.ongov.net/health/ADP.html or call
(315) 435-3165.

West Nile Virus in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Indu Gupta, MD, MPH, announced today that West Nile virus (WNV) continues to be present in Onondaga County. A mosquito pool from a trap in the town of Salina was found to be positive for WNV; this is the same trap with positive findings for WNV last week.

Dr. Gupta states that, “Despite low mosquito counts and ongoing intensive larviciding efforts, disease-carrying mosquitoes will continue to be a public health concern until the first hard frost”, and reminds residents, “It is essential that the public continue to practice personal protection measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes whenever outdoors. It is important not to become complacent about personal protection measures”.

The Health Department reminds residents that mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn.  Personal protection is advised during outdoor activities. Personal protection measures include wearing shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when going outside. Applying a mosquito repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535 to prevent mosquito bites. Do not put the repellent directly onto children’s skin.  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.

The following are ways of helping to reduce 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 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 Health Department will continue to post mosquito pool test results every week—please visit www.ongov.net/health/mosquitoborne.html for the most recent information including more information about personal protection measures. The public may also contact the Division of Environmental Health for more information at 435-1649.

First Report of West Nile Virus in Onondaga County and Corrected Update: No Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta MD, MPH, was notified by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) that two mosquito pools from a trap located in the Town of Salina have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

NYSDOH also notified Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) of an update in their report to OCHD earlier this week. It was incorrectly reported that EEE was found in a pool of mosquitoes in Onondaga County, however, NYSDOH issued an update today that additional testing has confirmed the Island Road trap in the town of Cicero is negative for EEEV. With this update, Onondaga County has no evidence of EEEV positive mosquito pools to date.

Dr. Gupta also explained that although mosquito counts are low so far this season, it is still important to protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially if you live in or visit woodland areas, work outside, or are involved in outdoor activities. Reducing exposure to mosquitoes is the best way to protect yourself and your family from WNV and other mosquito-borne viruses. 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, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535 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 reduce mosquito breeding grounds, thereby reducing the mosquito population:

  • 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

For information about personal protection measures against mosquitoes, visit our website at www.ongov.net/health/mosquitoborne.html or contact the Division of Environmental Health at (315) 435-1649.

Mosquito Pool Found Positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta MD, MPH, has been notified that a mosquito pool from a trap located at Island Road in the town of Cicero has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV). Dr. Gupta explained, “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.” Gupta also explained that although mosquito counts are low so far this season, it is still important to protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially if you live in or visit woodland areas, work outside, or are involved in outdoor activities.

Reducing exposure to mosquitoes is the best way to protect yourself from EEEV and other mosquito-borne viruses. 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, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535 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 reduce mosquito breeding grounds, thereby reducing the mosquito population:

  • 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

For more information about personal protection measures contact the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 435-1649.

Lyme Disease is Preventable!

By Jackie Shostack, MSEd, Public Health Education Supervisor
Bureau of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Onondaga County Health Department
It’s been a great summer and I hope everyone’s been enjoying the outdoors. Onondaga County has so many beautiful parks to explore and play in. However, when you are outside, you need to play it safe! This time of year not only brings nice weather but it also brings ticks. And with ticks, we see Lyme disease.

A couple of weeks ago, my son was at a camp with a group that went hiking through the woods. When they returned from their hike, they partnered up and did a tick check on each other as well as thoroughly checking themselves. When he told me this, I realized that as a health educator, I talk to groups in our community about how to protect themselves from Lyme disease but I never really educated my own family and friends about it and what they need to do to prevent tick bites! Now I include my own circle of family 92806200 (Small)and friends in the conversation about how to protect themselves from Lyme disease. You should do this too!

Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria, Borrelia Burgdorferi, which is carried by deer ticks. Specifically, the black legged deer tick. Not all deer ticks are infected with the bacteria, but you need to do everything you can to protect yourself from tick bites. The good news is that we can prevent Lyme disease and it’s important that we all know what to do when we are outdoors, whether it’s hiking on a trail, playing at a park, or just enjoying your own backyard. If you find a tick attached to your skin, don’t panic! Remember, an infected tick needs to be attached for 36 to 48 hours before they can transmit Lyme disease bacteria. So, take a deep breath, relax, and find a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to remove it carefully. Visit the Onondaga County Health Department’s webpage to see a video on how to properly remove a tick. Once you have removed the tick, keep an eye on the bite site for 30 days. You should consult your health care provider for any questions you may have regarding symptoms, testing, and treatment.

Don’t forget about your pets. They can also bring ticks into your home. Talk to your veterinarian about tick control products. You’re not only protecting them but treating them also will help prevent your pets from bringing ticks into your home. So, don’t be afraid to go outside and have fun and bring your pets along too!

For more information so you can educate others, please see the resources below.

Resources:
OCHD: Lyme disease: http://www.ongov.net/health/lyme.html
NYSDOH: Tick and Lyme disease: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme/
CDC: Lyme disease: http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/

Joseph F. William Memorial Park Beach Reopened for Swimming

The Onondaga County Health Department announced today that the, Joseph F. William Memorial Park Beach located in the town of Cicero, is open again for swimming.  Swimming at this beach was closed on August 10th due to high bacteria levels of E.coli in the water.  Lisa Letteney, Director of Environmental Health, explained that water quality test results received today now show acceptable levels.