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 Howlett Hill Road in the town of Onondaga has tested positive for rabies. This is the seventh 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 at 435-3165.  It is also essential to reinforce to children, that if they see a bat, to stay away from it and inform an adult.”

  • 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/documents/RabiesClinicSchedule.pdf, or call 435-3165.

Don’t Forget Your Flu and Pneumonia Vaccine

This fall, don’t forget your flu and pneumonia 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 circulating strains often change from year to year.

Quoc Nguyen, MD, Onondaga County Health Department Medical Director, explained, “Getting your flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent getting the flu.” Dr. Nguyen further emphasized that the flu vaccine is especially important for children and adults with high risk conditions such as asthma.

New this year, the CDC has recommended that FluMist® (a vaccine that is sprayed inside the nose) is preferred over the flu shot for children 2 through 8 years of age because it offers better protection in that age group.   FluMist„µ is only recommended and offered to healthy children and adults ages 2-49 years old.

The CDC continues to reinforce that an annual flu vaccine 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 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:

o Health care workers
o Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
o 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 a flu vaccine series 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 age nine (9) and only received one dose of vaccine last year, they should receive one dose this year.

Recommendations for pneumococcal vaccines (often referred to as the “pneumonia shot”) have changed this year for persons 65 years and older.   A new type of pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13) is being recommended for seniors this year, in addition to the standard “pneumonia shot” (PPSV23).   Adults 65 years and older who have never received a pneumococcal vaccine should receive the PCV13 shot first, followed by the PPSV23 6 to 12 months later.  If you have already received the standard “pneumonia shot”, a dose of PCV13 is recommended at least 1 year following that vaccine.

Getting a flu vaccine and a pneumonia vaccine is the best way to protect your health as well as your family, friends and others.  If you do not have a health care provider or health insurance, call the Onondaga County Health Department at 435-2000 for more information on where you can get a vaccine.

Positive Rabies Found in a Fox in the Town of Onondaga and in a Bat Found in the 500 Block of Seymour Street

Onondaga County Interim Health Commissioner, Michelle Mignano, announced today that the New York State Health Department laboratory has reported that a bat found in the area of the 500 block of Seymour Street in Syracuse, near the Vincent House, has tested positive for rabies. Several children have been identified who potentially handled this bat on Wednesday, September 24th in the late afternoon. The Health Department is still actively seeking all of the individuals who may have had contact. It is extremely important that these children be identified as soon as possible. Any person who believes their children or themselves had physical contact with the bat in this area should call the Onondaga County Health Department Animal Disease Control Program at 435-3165 or Disease Control at 435-3236 immediately.

In addition, a fox found in the Coventry Road area in the Town of Onondaga has tested positive for rabies bringing the total number of positive animal rabies tests to 14.

Ms. Mignano explained, “It is important that residents remember not to approach or feed wild animals and strays because they may be rabid. ”  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. It is important to protect yourself from rabies all year round.

Any mammal can get rabies, but it is most often seen in bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Below are important steps to prevent rabies:

  •  Teach children to stay away from any animal they do not know, either wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
  •  Wash any wound from an animal thoroughly with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention.
  •  See your doctor for attention for any trauma due to an animal attack.
  •  If you come into contact with an animal exhibiting signs of rabies such as unusual  behavior,  change in the voice of the animal, signs of paralysis (weakness), a hard time swallowing with  a lot of salivation, and/or acting lethargic (very weak), contact Animal Disease Prevention at 435-3165.

 

  •  Don’t attract wild animals to your home or yard. Keep your property free of stored bird seed or other foods that may attract wild animals. Feed pets indoors. Tightly  cap or put away garbage cans. Board up any openings to your attic, basement, porch or garage. Cap your chimney with screens.
  •  If a wild animal is on your property, let it wander away. Bring children and pets indoors and alert neighbors who are outside.
  •  Keep your pet’s vaccinations current. This is especially important for your pet dogs, cats, and ferrets. 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.   Getting your pet regularly 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.   All clinics are open to the public and no appointment is necessary.  For a schedule of upcoming rabies vaccination clinics, visit www.ongov.net/health or call 435-3165.

Second Onondaga County Resident Diagnosed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Onondaga County Interim Health Commissioner, Michelle Mignano, was notified by the New York State Department of Health today that an Onondaga County adult resident has been diagnosed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Ms. Mignano explained, “This is the second known human case of EEE this year. It is essential that residents consistently take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes”. Mignano stated that the individual is currently hospitalized and is in stable condition. To protect the privacy of this patient and of their family, additional details are not being shared with the public.

EEE is a rare but dangerous 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 who spend a lot of time outdoors.

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. 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.

It is also important to keep your yard free from standing water to reduce the mosquito population near your home. 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 visit: /health/mosquitoborne.html or https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/eastern_equine_encephalitis/fact_sheet.htm.

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 https://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
https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/west_nile_virus/mosquitoes_and_disease_faq_htm.