National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 25-31, 2015

Nearly half a million children living in the United States have elevated blood lead levels that may cause significant damage to their health, estimates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In Onondaga County, approximately 7% of children tested for lead in 2014 had high blood lead levels.  The good news is that childhood lead poisoning is entirely preventable!
To increase 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 25-31. This year’s NLPPW theme, “Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future,” reinforces the importance of testing your child for lead, testing your home for lead, using lead safe work practices during renovation or repairs, and using lead certified contractors for home repairs in order to prevent lead poisoning.
Dr. Indu Gupta, Onondaga County Health Commissioner states, “The most important thing we can do to prevent childhood lead exposure is to treat the source of the problem, which is often in the child’s home.  The major sources of childhood lead exposure in Onondaga County are lead-based paint and lead dust found in older homes”.   Dr. Gupta emphasized that there are many ways families can reduce a child’s exposure to lead and encourages following these simple steps to protect your family:

  • 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, or visit
www.ongov.net/health, and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ongovhealth.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

By Indu Gupta, Commissioner of Health
Contributing Author: Emily Young, Public Health Educator, Cancer Services Program

A few years ago, my close friend called me in a panic and informed me that her mammogram was abnormal. She was tearful because she was asked to have more tests. She was very concerned about cancer. I offered to take her for additional testing the following day because I wanted to be supportive – I thought! Actually it was more for me, because I wanted to tell her that everything will be okay. She was diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer in a timely manner and is now doing well. Over the years, I have had to inform patients of their abnormal mammograms and refer them to surgeons and oncologists for further care. It is difficult and emotionally draining at times. But in the final analysis, early detection, treatment, and a favorable outcome is the best reward of being a doctor.

Pink Ribbon GraphicOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society reports that about 1 in 8 (12%) women in the US will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, except for skin cancers. Early detection is the key as it was for my dear friend because early diagnosis and treatment improves outcomes.  Death rates from breast cancer have been steadily declining but this disease still remains the second leading cause of cancer death for women.

So I am calling out to all women: Please check with your healthcare provider to see if you are due for a mammogram and if so schedule it today! Your primary care doctor can make a referral. Being uninsured is not a barrier. The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program can help. We will connect you with providers, who will perform clinical breast exams and mammograms at no charge to you. For women aged 40 to 64 free screenings are offered at healthcare provider sites throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County. This program has helped diagnose breast cancer at early stages and in doing so, has been able to serve our mission.

Emily Young, Public Health Educator for the Cancer Services Program shared one of her experiences from the field.

A few years ago, I met a woman at CNY works, a local unemployment center. She had been unemployed and without health insurance for quite some time. She then told me that she had not been screened for breast cancer in the past because of all these hardships. She was interested in having a mammogram after I explained to her our Cancer Services Program at the Health Department. I took down all of the necessary information and scheduled her for a mammogram. Unfortunately, her mammogram was reported to be abnormal. She was recommended for additional testing, which confirmed her worst fear…breast cancer. For her, everything was falling apart- she was unemployed, uninsured, and now was diagnosed with breast cancer. The Case Manager of our Cancer Services Program assisted her in signing up for the Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program, which would cover the cost of her treatments.

This is just one of the many women who have been helped by the Health Department’s Cancer Services Program. Whether you have health insurance or not, the bottom line is that having a mammogram may save your life. Routine screenings are a vital step in the early detection of breast cancer. I am going to call to schedule my mammogram, won’t you please do the same?

Resource: American Cancer Society  http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/index

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 shot.  People should be vaccinated every year because immunity to flu viruses declines over time and flu strains often change from year to year.

Dr. Indu Gupta, Onondaga County Health Commissioner, explained, “Getting your flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent getting the flu.” 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 have contact with people at high risk.  People at high risk include:

  • Pregnant women
  • Children younger than the age of 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 who are at high risk for complications including:

Health care workers
Household contacts of persons who are at high risk for complications
Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than six months of age. Children younger than six months are too young to be vaccinated

Children under the age of nine who have never had a flu vaccine before will need two doses of vaccine.   The second vaccine should be given one month after the first shot or FluMist®. If your child is under the age of nine, but has had two flu vaccines in the past, even if it was not in the same or consecutive years, only one dose is needed 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.  Flu vaccine is available at the Onondaga County Health Department’s Immunization Clinic.  This clinic is held every Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Room 30 in the basement of the Civic Center. If you do not have a health care provider or health insurance, call the Onondaga County Health Department at 435-2000 for more information.

Syracuse Healthy Start’s 5th Annual Syracuse Stroll: A Community Event to Celebrate Every Baby’s First Birthday

On Saturday, September 12th, Syracuse Healthy Start will host the 5th Annual Syracuse Stroll. This event is held in recognition of Infant Mortality Awareness Month and the important role that both parents and the community have in promoting healthy births. The Syracuse Stroll is a community festival and fitness walk that will be held at Kirk Park, 1101 South Avenue, in the City of Syracuse. This free family event will begin at 10:30 a.m., and will provide an opportunity for families to come together for exercise, fun activities, to receive valuable health information, and to enjoy a fun day in the park! The lead sponsors for the 5th Annual Syracuse Stroll is the Office of Minority Health and Wegmans. Additional sponsors are Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Iota Nu Omega Chapter, and 100 Black Men.

While the infant mortality rate is declining overall across the nation and in New York State, rates still remain high in Syracuse, particularly among minority families. In 2012-2014, the infant mortality rate in the City of Syracuse was over two times higher for African American infants (12.4 deaths per 1,000 live births) than for white infants (5.8 deaths per 1,000 live births). “It is important that women receive early prenatal care, education, and social supports to help make good choices that contribute to a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Please help us celebrate every baby’s first birthday,” said Indu Gupta, MD, MPH, Onondaga County Health Commissioner.

Syracuse Healthy Start is a federally funded program of the Onondaga County Health Department’s (OCHD’s) Healthy Families Division. This program strives to reduce infant mortality locally by promoting healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. This is accomplished through community partnerships, health education, and case management services. Syracuse Healthy Start has a Community Action Network that brings together health care providers, human service workers, and local families to discuss and advise.  Community Action Network membership is open to all Syracuse families, health and human service providers, community members, civic leaders, businesses, community agencies, and faith-based organizations. REACH CNY, Inc. is the Perinatal Network serving Cayuga, Madison, Onondaga, and Oswego Counties and is a community partner of the OCHD’s Healthy Families Division, which coordinates the Syracuse Healthy Start Community Action Network.  To register for the Syracuse Stroll, please visit http://www.reachcny.org.

Update on Onondaga County Resident with EEE

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta, MD, MPH, announced today that the town of Salina resident who was recently diagnosed with the Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE) infection has died.  Dr. Gupta explained, “It is with great sadness that I report to the community that an elderly Onondaga County resident has died as a result of EEE.  Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.  This is the first known case of human EEE in Onondaga County this year and this outcome is a painful reminder of how serious EEE can be.”  To protect the privacy of this patient and of the family, additional details are not released.

Dr. Gupta explained that EEE infection is a rare but serious viral infection that is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito and can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. Initial symptoms, which usually start 4-10 days after the bite, can include fever, headache, and vomiting. Illness can then progress to an altered mental status, confusion, seizures, coma, and even death. The greatest risk for infection with this virus is for people, especially the very young and elderly, who spend time outdoors.

The Health Department reminds residents that prevention of mosquito borne illness is essential.  Although the mosquito numbers remain low, it is imperative that the public continue to take measures to minimize being bitten by mosquitoes until the first hard frost. With continued warm weather and many central New Yorkers enjoying the last days of summer by spending time outdoors, it is critical that residents continue to use personal protection measures and not to become complacent in doing so.

Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn.  Personal protection is advised during outdoor activities.  Personal protection measures include wearing shoes and 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.
To keep your yard free from standing water to reduce the mosquito population near 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

For more information about the Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus or about personal protection measures contact the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 435-1649 or visit /health/mosquitoborne.html or
health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/eastern_equine_encephalitis/fact_sheet.htm.

Onondaga County Announces First Human Case of EEE This Season

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta, MD, MPH, was notified late yesterday by the New York State Department of Health,   that a Town of Salina adult resident has been diagnosed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE) infection.   Dr. Gupta explained, “This is the first known human case of EEE in Onondaga County this year.  The individual is currently hospitalized and is in critical condition.  To protect the privacy of this patient and of the family, additional details are not being shared with the public.”

Dr. Gupta explained that EEE infection is a rare but serious viral infection that is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. Initial symptoms, which usually start 4-10 days after the bite, can include fever, headache, and vomiting. Illness can then progress to altered mental status, confusion, seizures, coma, and even death. The greatest risk for infection with this virus is for people, especially the very young and elderly, who spend a lot of time outdoors.

Even with the additional larvaciding activities conducted by the Health Department throughout the County and mosquito numbers continuing to decline, it is critical that the public continue to take measures to minimize being bitten by mosquitoes until the first hard frost of fall.

Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn.  Personal protection is advised during outdoor activities.  Personal protection measures include wearing shoes and 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.
To keep your yard free from standing water to reduce the mosquito population near 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

For more information about Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus  contact or  about personal protection measures contact the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 435-1649 or visit /health/mosquitoborne.html or
http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/west_nile_virus/mosquitoes_and_disease_faq_htm.

Cooling Towers in Onondaga County Must Register with the New York State Department of Health

The Onondaga County Health Department is reporting that the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has adopted emergency regulations to prevent the spread of disease caused by Legionella bacteria.  Indu Gupta, MD, MPH, Commissioner of Health explained, “These regulations are designed to protect the public’s health by requiring proper operation and maintenance of cooling towers and to also document these processes through a state-wide information system.”  The Health Department explained the goal is to prevent Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks similar to that which recently occurred in New York City.

Lisa Letteney, Director of Environmental Health, explained that these regulations require that all cooling towers in New York State be registered, tested for the presence of bacteria, inspected and certified. The deadline for statewide electronic registration, testing, and inspection is September 16, 2015. Registration can be done at:  https://www.ny.gov/services/register-cooling-tower-and-submit-reports.

In addition, building owners must submit an acceptable cooling tower operation and maintenance plan to the NYSDOH by March 1, 2016.  Until this plan is in place, facility owners must test for bacteria every 90 days and report the results on the NYSDOH information system.  Any cooling tower confirmed to have Legionella bacteria present must have it disinfected by a licensed commercial pesticide applicator.  The Onondaga County Health Department’s Division of Environmental Health will monitor this registry to ensure compliance. Building owners, who fail to comply with these regulations, will be subject to enforcement by the Onondaga County Health Department.

Additional information on these regulations can be obtained by calling the New York State Department of Health Legionnaires’ Disease hotline at 1-888-769-7243. The complete regulations can be found at:
http://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/emergency/docs/protection_against_legionella.pdf

Update: Water Chestnut Treatment in the Seneca River Extended to Monday, August 24th

The Onondaga County Health Department announced today that due to weather conditions this week the herbicide application to reduce the number of water chestnuts in the Seneca River will be extended into next week. The application will continue, weather permitting, on Monday, August 24th and may extend through the end of the week. We will continue to update the public if there are any further delays.

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 breathing in the spray mist while treatment is being done. Signs will be posted to identify the treated areas.

For more information about the areas to be treated and the pesticides visit:
/health/legalnotice.html
http://www.sepro.com/documents/clearcast_Label.pdf
http://www.dowagro.com/vm/products/rodeo.htm

More Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus and West Nile Virus in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Deputy Health Commissioner, Michelle Mignano, announced today that both Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) and West Nile virus (WNV) continue to be present in Onondaga County. Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus was found in three mosquito pools. The mosquito pools were located on Island Road, Taft Road, and Route 298, all in the town of Cicero.   West Nile virus was also found in two mosquito pools, one in the town of Cicero and the other in the city of Syracuse.   To date, there are a total of eleven (11) positive EEEV mosquito pools and a total of four positive WNV mosquito pools.

Ms. Mignano explained, “Additional targeted larvaciding efforts are being made to control the mosquito population.  However, the public must remain vigilant in using 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 is very important.  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 to help 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.

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

/health/mosquitoborne.html.
http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/eastern_equine_encephalitis/fact_sheet.htm
http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2731/

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 on August 17, 2015 through August 21, 2015. Water chestnuts are plants that are rooted in the river bottom.  Water chestnuts spread quickly and 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 breathing in the spray mist while treatment is being done. Signs will be posted to identify the treated areas.

 

For more information about the areas to be treated and the pesticide Clearcast visit: