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

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): https://ny.healthinspections.us/ny_beaches/faq.cfm
Healthy Swimming: Oceans, Lakes, & Rivers (CDC): https://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 https://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.