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 on August 10, 2016 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.  The Joseph F. William Memorial Park Beach, also located in the Town of Cicero, remains closed to swimming due to high levels of E-coli bacteria in the water.

 

Two Public Beaches Closed for Swimming Due to High Bacterial Counts

The Onondaga County Health Department announced today that Oneida Shores Beach and the Joseph F. William Memorial Park Beach, both located in the Town of Cicero, will be closed for swimming due to high levels of E. coli bacteria in the water. The Health Department monitors water at public beaches routinely and closes swimming when bacteria levels exceed acceptable standards. The Health Department will continue to test daily until the samples show acceptable levels and will notify the public when the beaches are reopened for swimming. Please note that although closed for swimming, the parks’ other amenities remain open during normal hours of operation.

Most varieties of E. coli are harmless or can cause brief diarrhea. Anyone concerned about gastrointestinal symptoms should contact their health care provider.

For information about beach swimming safety visit:
Beach Water Quality Information (NYSDOH): http://ny.healthinspections.us/ny_beaches/faq.cfm
Healthy Swimming: Oceans, Lakes, & Rivers (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/oceans-lakes-rivers/index.html

Time for Back-to-School Vaccines

Now is the time to make sure your kids’ vaccinations (shots) are up-to-date so that they are ready to return to school in September.  Having all school required vaccines not only protects your child from harmful infections, it also 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.

Childhood vaccines protect against serious and potentially 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, especially in places where a sizable number of children are exempted because of religious or philosophical reasons.

To attend school, children are required to be up-to-date on their shots.  For the 2016-2017 school year, immunization requirements have changed.  Adolescents need to receive one meningococcal vaccine before 7th grade and two before 12th grade (unless the first dose is after 16 years of age).  New York State law requires that students have proof of all required vaccines or be removed from school until the vaccines are obtained.

The Onondaga County Health Department encourages you to check with your health care provider to make sure your kids are up-to-date on all required vaccines.  Schedule your appointment TODAY for any needed immunizations.   No insurance?  Visit the Onondaga County Health Department Immunization Clinic.  Having no insurance is not a barrier and all vaccines children need for school are offered.  For more information on the clinic, call 435-2000.

 

Blue-Green Algae Advisory Issued for Hiawatha Lake

Onondaga County Health Department has issued a Blue-Green Algae Advisory for Hiawatha Lake located in Onondaga Park in the City of Syracuse. This advisory was issued because a blue-green algae bloom has been identified in the lake; although this is not a public swimming area, people and their pets should avoid contact with any algae blooms, surface scums, and colored water.

Blue-green algae blooms can turn the water green and can form thick surface scums on the water. Certain types of blue-green algae can release toxins that may poison people and animals. Exposure to blue-green algae can cause skin or eye irritation or diarrhea and vomiting if ingested.

The Health Department recommends taking the following precautions:
• Do not drink the water
• Do not swim, wade, or fish near algae blooms or surface scums
• Do not let dogs wade, drink the water, or walk on shoreline debris
• Rinse yourself and pets with clean water if exposed to algae

Anyone who has come into contact with the algae bloom or surface scum and has skin or eye irritation or gastrointestinal illness should contact their health care provider.

Learn more about blue-green algae:
• Blue-Green Algae and Health: www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/bluegreenalgae/
• Dogs and Algae Blooms: www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/habspets.pdf
• NYS Department of Environmental Conservation: www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/77118.html

Oneida Shores Beach Closed Due to High Bacterial Counts

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 E. coli bacteria in the water. The Health Department monitors water at public beaches routinely and closes swimming when bacterial levels exceed acceptable standards. The Health Department will continue to test daily until the samples show acceptable levels and will notify the public when the beach is reopened for swimming.

Most varieties of E. coli are harmless or can cause brief diarrhea. Anyone concerned about gastrointestinal symptoms should contact their health care provider.

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 Monday, July 25 through Friday, July 29, 2016.  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 primary herbicide that will be used for this purpose is Clearcast (active ingredient: imazamox). Rodeo (active ingredient:  glyphosate) will also be used. Clearcast and Rodeo are considered safe for the control of vegetation in and around natural bodies of water and non-cropland sites. However, Clearcast and Rodeo are 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: www.ongov.net/health/waterchestnuts.html.

For more information about the pesticides that will be used, please visit:

Extreme Heat Precautions & Safety Tips for Seniors

Onondaga County Executive Joanne M. Mahoney, Indu Gupta MD, MPH, Commissioner of Health, and Peter J. Headd, Deputy Commissioner, Executive Director, Office for Aging are advising that individuals take precautions when the temperatures and humidity are high.

The National Weather Service forecast shows temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees today, Tuesday, July 12, through Thursday, July 14, 2016. The heat index—which is how hot it really feels—is expected to be as high as 100 degrees on Wednesday, July 13. Dr. Gupta explained, “During these extreme heat conditions, residents should take steps to stay cool. The elderly, small children, overweight individuals, those with chronic health problems, or those who take certain medications are at an increased risk for heat-related illness.”

Peter J. Headd encourages everyone in our community “to be aware of seniors in their neighborhood, to look for signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion or see if the person may be in need of assistance.” In case of a medical emergency call 911 directly. If you are concerned about the general well-being of an older person contact the Office for Aging and an Aging Services staff person will assess the older person’s needs and recommend appropriate services and programs.

During this hot weather it is important for everyone, but especially seniors and others who may be at an increased risk for heat-related illness, 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.
  • Keep draperies and window shades closed.
  • Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
  • Try to do household chores early in the morning, before it gets too hot.
  • 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 or pets in cars.

The Health Department reminds individuals to take steps to prevent heat-related illness. Hot, humid weather causes the body’s temperature to rise, which puts a strain on the heart and blood vessels. Heat stroke or heat exhaustion can result, which occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. 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, including a list of air conditioned senior centers and other public cooling sites, call the Onondaga County Office for Aging at (315) 435-2362 or visit www.ongov.net/aging or www.health.ny.gov/environmental/weather/cooling/countycenters.

For more information about heat-related illness prevention tips call the Onondaga County Health Department at 435-3280 or visit www.ongov.net/health/heat.html or http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/faq.asp.

Fight the Bite in CNY: A Forum on Mosquitoes and Ticks Held

The Onondaga County Health Department and several community partners hosted a “Fight the Bite in CNY”  forum earlier today.  The forum featured both local and statewide experts who addressed what Onondaga County Health Officials are doing to prevent the spread of mosquito- and tick-borne illnesses.  Indu Gupta, MD, MPH, Onondaga County Health Commissioner, was pleased that many experts joined together to make the forum a success and provided current information about Zika, public and global health, mosquito- and tick-borne diseases, surveillance and control of mosquitoes, and what the public can do to reduce their risk of mosquito-borne illness. Dr. Gupta stated, “We are working diligently to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne and tick-borne diseases in Onondaga County, however, the public must consistently use personal protection measures”. Those in attendance included people from local hospitals, town and village officials, and community-based organizations.

Bryon Backenson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, gave an overview of vector-borne illnesses. “With this weekend being Independence Day weekend, this forum is a great opportunity to reinforce with local officials that vector-borne diseases are present in central New York, and what can be done to prevent them.” Dr. Timothy Endy, Chief of Infectious Disease at Upstate University Hospital shared current information about Zika virus, West Nile virus, and Eastern Equine encephalitis. Dr. Endy reinforced to all, “Insect-borne infections are a serious health concern for central New Yorkers this summer. Prevention and early recognition is key to getting appropriate diagnosis and treatment.”

Following the expert speakers, table discussions by those who work directly in the field provided information on local tick surveillance; mosquito trapping and surveillance; current Zika information; personal protection measures; signs, symptoms, and tick removal; and habitat and landscape management.

For more information about this forum, please visit: /health/fightthebiteforum.html where you can download print-ready educational materials.

Spring is here and may bring fix-up projects around your house…could there be lead paint?

Ann Barnett, Public Health Educator

Along with spring flowers, the season usually brings home repair projects. If you are thinking about doing some home repairs or remodeling projects, which may disturb old paint, I urge you to take safety precautions. Lead paint and lead dust continue to be the major source of lead exposure for childhood lead poisoning in Onondaga County. If your home is one of the 77% of Onondaga County homes built before 1978, it may contain hazardous lead paint and lead dust. Before you start your spring home repair and/or remodeling projects, I would like you to consider the following questions:

  • Was your house built before 1978?
  • Will you be working on painted surfaces?
  • Have you had the paint tested to see if it is lead-based paint?
  • Are you planning on hiring someone? Are they EPA Lead Certified? 
  • Do you know what safety precautions you or your repair man should use to protect yourself and your children from hazardous lead paint/lead dust?
  • Do you qualify for a lead home repair grant?

Remodeling projects, home repairs, and normal wear and tear of painted surfaces like opening and closing windows and doors can create lead dust. Young children and pregnant women are especially at risk for exposure to lead paint and lead dust. In 2015, 391CD Ad individual homes were inspected by Onondaga County Health Department lead inspectors for lead hazards. Of the homes inspected, 86% were found positive for lead and will require repairs.

When remodeling an older home, we want you to WORK SMART, WORK WET, and WORK CLEAN. It is important to follow some safety steps:

  • Keep pregnant women and children out of the work area
  • Enclose the work area using heavy plastic (6 mil)
  • Use a spray bottle to wet an area before sanding or scraping
  • Avoid eating or drinking in the work area
  • Wear a mask and wash your hands often with soap and water
  • Clean up the work area using wet cleaning methods, only use a HEPA vacuum, carefully fold up used plastic, place it in a sealed garbage bag and put in the trash.

Let’s treat homes, not children.
There are resources to assist you! Visit www.ongov.net/health/lead  to get more  information about:

  • Childhood lead testing
  • Free home lead inspections
  • Safely remodeling your home
  • Lead paint home repair grants
  • EPA Lead Safe Worker training requirements

Fox and Raccoon Found Positive for Rabies in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta, MD, MPH, announced today that a fox and a raccoon in Onondaga County have both tested positive for rabies. The tests were confirmed by the New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Laboratories. The fox was found in the Town of Clay and the raccoon was found in the City of Syracuse. Three residents and one pet were exposed to rabies as a result of these two cases; however, there are no human cases of rabies in Onondaga County. So far in 2016, six animals (one bat, one skunk, one fox, and three raccoons) 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. Early treatment after an exposure can prevent rabies.
Any mammal can get rabies, but it is most often seen in bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Below are some steps to help prevent rabies:

  • Teach children to stay away from unfamiliar animals, either wild or domestic, even if the animal may appear friendly.
  • Wash any wound from an animal thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
  • If your family or your pet has been exposed to a bat, capture the bat and have it tested for rabies. If you awaken to find a bat in your room, or a bat is present in the room of an unattended or sleeping child, or in a room with someone with a mental impairment, seek medical advice and have the bat tested. To watch a video on how to catch  a bat visit: /health/ADP.html
  • Be a responsible pet owner by keeping your pet’s vaccinations current. This is especially important for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Getting your pet vaccinated can help stop the spread of rabies from wild animals to humans.

Rabies Shot Clinics
The Onondaga County Health Department offers rabies shot clinics at many locations throughout Onondaga County. Upcoming clinics include:

  • Thursday, June 2, 5:00 to 7:00 pm Camillus Town Hall, 4600 W. Genesee Street, Syracuse
  • Thursday, June 9, 5:00 to 7:00 pm Meachem Ice Rink, 121 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse
  • Monday, June 20, 5:00 to 7:00 pm Cicero Highway Garage, 8236 Brewerton Road, Cicero
  • Thursday, July 7, 4:00 to 6:00 pm Onondaga Nation Fire Department, Route 11A, Nedrow

All shots are free for Onondaga County residents. Additional rabies shot clinics will be offered throughout the year. For a complete clinic schedule call 435-3280 or visit: www.ongov.net/health/documents/RabiesClinicSchedule.pdf.

For more information about rabies prevention call 435-3165 or visit:
www.ongov.net/health/ADP.html
www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/zoonoses/rabies/
www.cdc.gov/rabies/