Additional Cases of Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) in Onondaga County

The Onondaga County Health Department’s Medical Director, Quoc Nguyen, MD, announced today that the New York State Department of Health’s laboratory has confirmed three additional cases of Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) in Onondaga County children. The total number of laboratory confirmed cases in Onondaga County is now five. The three new cases were each hospitalized and are expected to recover. The Health Department is working closely with the New York State Department of Health and local hospitals to continue to monitor the current EV- D68 situation locally.

Dr. Nguyen explained, “Enterovirus infections are common in the summer and fall months. Most people infected with EV-D68 do not have symptoms or have mild cold or flu-like symptoms. However, infants, children, and teenagers are most at risk for enteroviruses and may become ill. They are at increased risk because they have not yet acquired immunity from previous exposures. It is more serious for children with asthma and/or other respiratory diseases.”

Symptoms of enterovirus illness can include fever, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and body aches. The full range of symptoms is not well known. Parents and caregivers should have their children remain home if they are ill with respiratory illness until they are free of symptoms for 24 hours to avoid spreading the illness. If a child is ill with respiratory difficulty, seek medical care immediately.

The virus can be found in secretions such as saliva, nasal mucus, sputum and possibly stools. It appears to be spread through close contact with infected people and is likely spread from person- to -person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or touches surfaces. There is no specific treatment for EV-D68 infection. Many infections are mild and often go away after a few days and only require symptomatic treatment. However, some people with severe respiratory symptoms may need to be hospitalized for more advanced therapy.

The Health Department cautions that there is no vaccine for Enterovirus D68 and reinforces the following measures to help reduce the risk of becoming infected with EV-D68:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers

• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue

• Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick

• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick

For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov or www.ongov.net/health/enterovirus.

Additional Evidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Found in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Interim Health Commissioner, Michelle Mignano, announced today that the New York State Department of Health’s laboratory has reported finding additional evidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE) in a mosquito pool collected in the Town of Clay at the
Clay Marsh trap site located off Wetzel Road. Ms. Mignano explained, “Although we are experiencing cooler evenings and mosquito numbers are down, residents should continue to practice personal protection measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes until the first hard frost.”

The Health Department reminds residents that personal protection measures are important in preventing mosquito borne illness. 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 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. Repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. 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.

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.

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.

Syracuse Healthy Start Consortium’s 4th Annual Syracuse Stroll – A Community Event to Celebrate Every Baby’s First Birthday

The Syracuse Stroll, originally scheduled for September 13th, will be held this Saturday, September 20th. In recognition of Infant Mortality Awareness Month and the important role of parents and the whole community in promoting healthier birth outcomes, The Syracuse Healthy Start Consortium will host the fourth annual Syracuse Stroll: Baby Buggy Walk in the Park, a community health festival and fitness walk at Kirk Park. This free family event will begin at 10:30 am, and provide an opportunity for families to come together for exercise and fun activities, to receive valuable health information and screenings and to enjoy a fun day in the park. The Syracuse event is one of 18 Baby Buggy Walk in the Park festivals happening in other cities across the nation, calling attention to the link between healthy lifestyles, healthy families and healthy babies. The lead sponsors for the 4th Annual Syracuse Stroll are the Office of Minority Health and UnitedHealthcare. Additional sponsors are Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Iota Nu Omega Chapter, and New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

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. According to the Onondaga County Health Department’s 2014-2017 Community Health Assessment and Improvement plan, the infant mortality rate in Onondaga County is nearly three times higher for African American infants (12.4 deaths per 1,000 live births) than for white infants (4.3 deaths per 1,000 live births).

In addition to celebrating receipt of federal funding to continue the Syracuse Healthy Start project for the next five years, at this event, the Syracuse Healthy Start Consortium will also celebrate the launch of a new, community driven media campaign which promotes Safe Sleep for babies. This timely launch will address ways to reduce the risk of infant death in association with an unsafe sleep environment, a problem which continues to contribute to far too many infant deaths in Onondaga County.

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’s Consortium is a forum that brings together health care providers, human service workers, and local families to discuss and advise on program efforts. Consortium membership is open to all Syracuse families, health and human services providers, community members, civic leaders, businesses, community 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 Consortium.

For more information about the Baby Buggy Walk in the Park and to register, please visit http://www.reachcny.org.

First Cases of Enterovirus D68 in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Health Department’s Medical Director Quoc Nguyen, MD, announced today that the New York State Department of Health’s laboratory has reported two cases of Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) in two young children in Onondaga County. Dr. Nguyen confirmed that both children have been hospitalized; one remains in the hospital and the other child has been released. The Health Department is working closely with the New York State Department of Health and county hospitals to continue to monitor the current EV- D68 situation locally.

Dr. Nguyen explained, “Enteroviruses infections are common in the summer and fall months. Most people infected with EV-D68 do not have symptoms or have mild flu-like symptoms. However, infants, children, and teenagers are most likely to get infected with enteroviruses and may become sick, especially those individuals with a history of asthma or wheezing.

Symptoms of enterovirus illness can include fever, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and body aches. The full range of symptoms is not well known. Parents and caregivers should have their children remain home if they are ill with respiratory illness until they are free of symptoms for 24 hours to lessen spreading of the illness. If a child is ill with respiratory difficulty, seek medical care immediately.

The virus can be found in secretions such as saliva, nasal mucus, sputum and possibly stools. It appears to be spread through close contact with infected people and is likely spread from person- to -person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or touches surfaces. There is no specific treatment for EV-D68 infections. Many infections will be mild and often go away after a few days, and only require symptomatic treatment. However, some people with severe respiratory symptoms may need to be hospitalized for more advanced therapy.

The Health Department cautions that there is no vaccine for Enterovirus D68 , but reinforces the following measures to help reduce the risk of becoming infected with EV-D68:

· Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers

· Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

· Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue

· Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick

· Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick

For more information about Enterovirus D68 visit: cdc.gov.

Further Evidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Found In Onondaga County

Onondaga County Interim Health Commissioner, Michelle Mignano, announced today that the New York State Department of Health’s laboratory has reported finding further evidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE) in three mosquito pools. All the mosquito pools were collected in the Town of Cicero, two at the Island Road site and one at the Taft Road site. All of these sites have previously tested positive. The Onondaga County Health Department is not planning on conducting aerial or ground spraying at this time. Mosquito surveillance consisting of collecting and testing mosquitoes and applying larvicides to control mosquitoes prior to them becoming adults will continue. Ms. Mignano reminds residents, “Although mosquito counts are relatively low, it is important that the public continue to practice personal protective measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to keep your yard free from standing water to reduce the mosquito population near your home until we have a hard frost.”

The Health Department would like to remind the public 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 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. Repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. 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.

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.

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.

First Known Human Case of West Nile Virus in Onondaga County this Year

Onondaga County Interim Health Commissioner, Michelle Mignano was notified today by the New York State Health Department laboratory of the first known human case of West Nile virus this year in Onondaga County. Ms. Mignano reports that the adult was hospitalized and is doing well and is expected to recover. Mignano reinforced, “With this first known human case of West Nile virus this year, it underscores that West Nile virus is active and residents are urged to consistently take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Even though the mosquito counts continue to be relatively low, it is important that the public continue to practice personal protection measures and keep your yard free from standing water to reduce the mosquito population until we have a hard frost.” Mignano also reassured that mosquito surveillance and the application of larvicides will continue throughout Onondaga County with heightened focus on areas with known findings of both West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

It is important that the public continue to take measures to minimize being bitten by mosquitoes and to keep your yard free from standing water to reduce the mosquito population near your home. 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.
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

For more information about West Nile virus or mosquito borne disease 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.

Bat Positive for Rabies

Onondaga County Interim Commissioner of Health, Michelle Mignano, announced today that the New York State Health Department’s laboratory has reported that a bat found in the area of Old Liverpool Road in the town of Salina has tested positive for rabies. This is the sixth bat that has tested positive for rabies in Onondaga County this season.
Ms. Mignano stresses, “It is important to bat-proof your home now to keep bats out of your house and away from you and your family. However, if you are exposed to a bat in your home, it is important to trap the bat and call Animal Disease Control for further guidance.”

To bat proof your home, plug up any holes discovered with steel wool. Also, repair window screen holes with wire mesh and caulk any other openings or cracks.
If your family (or your pet) has been exposed to a bat, capture the bat and have it tested for rabies. If someone is bitten by a bat, be certain to wash the area where the bite occurred with soap and water and see your health care provider immediately.
If you awaken to find a bat in your room, or if 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.
Trap all bats found in your house and make sure that all bats that come into direct contact with people get tested. Before trapping the bat, protect yourself with gloves and a hat.

To trap a bat:

Keep the bat inside of your home (do not let it escape outdoors)
Shut the door of the room to keep the bat isolated
Turn the lights on to slow the bat down
Collect the bat in a container with a secure lid
Call the Onondaga County Health Department’s Animal Disease Control at 435-3165 for further instruction
To view a video on how to capture a bat, visit www.ongov.net/health

It is important to keep 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.

The Onondaga County Health Department offers a number of clinics throughout the year to protect your pet from rabies. New York State Public Health Law requires that all puppies and kittens get an initial shot at three months of age, with a booster shot every three years. Ferrets must get a shot every year. For a full schedule of upcoming rabies vaccination clinics visit www.ongov.net/health, or call 435-3165.

First Evidence of West Nile Virus and Additional Evidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Found in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Interim Health Commissioner, Michelle Mignano, announced today that the New York State Department of Health’s laboratory has reported finding the first evidence of West Nile virus (WNV) in Onondaga County this year in two mosquito pools. One pool was collected at the Taft Road site and the other at the Geddes site which is located off Belle Isle Road. Additional evidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE) was found in four mosquito pools collected in the Town of Cicero, all of which have previously tested positive for EEE: two at the Taft Road site; one at the Rt. 298 site; and one at the Island Road site. The Onondaga County Health Department is not planning on conducting aerial or ground spraying at this time. Mosquito surveillance consisting of collecting and testing mosquitoes and applying larvicides to control mosquitoes prior to them becoming adults will continue. Ms. Mignano reminds residents, “Although mosquito counts continue to be relatively low, it is important that the public continue to practice personal protection measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to keep your yard free from standing water to reduce the mosquito population near your home until we have a hard frost.”

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.

Additional Evidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Found in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Interim Health Commissioner, Michelle Mignano, announced today that the New York State Department of Health’s laboratory has reported finding additional evidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE) in five mosquito pools. All of the mosquito pools were collected in the Town of Cicero, two at the Rt. 298 site, two at the Taft Road site, and one at the Island Road site. All of these sites have previously tested positive. The Onondaga County Health Department is not planning on conducting aerial or ground spraying at this time. Mosquito surveillance consisting of collecting and testing mosquitoes and applying larvicides to control mosquitoes prior to them becoming adults will continue. Ms. Mignano reminds residents, “Although mosquito counts are relatively low, it is important that the public continue to practice personal protective measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to keep your yard free from standing water to reduce the mosquito population near your home until we have a hard frost.”

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.

Additional Evidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Found in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Interim Health Commissioner, Michelle Mignano, announced today that the New York State Department of Health’s laboratory has reported finding additional evidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE) in three mosquito pools. Two of the mosquito pools were collected in the Town of Cicero, one at the Rt. 298 site and one at the Taft Road site. The third was collected in the Town of Salina at the Ley Creek trap. Ms. Mignano explained, “The Onondaga County Health Department conducts an extensive larviciding program, throughout the County, that is regularly evaluated based on positive virus findings. In response to the finding of EEE in the Ley Creek trap, the larviciding efforts in the surrounding area will be intensified”. The larvicide used contains bacteria that target and kill larvae in their breeding habitat before they can mature into adults.

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