More West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow announced today that the New York State Health Department laboratory has reported finding additional evidence of both West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Onondaga County. The West Nile virus finding was in a mosquito pool collected from the Island Road trap located in the town of Cicero.  In addition, there were two positive EEE mosquito pools, one from the Route 298 trap and the other from the Taft Road trap, each located in the town of Cicero.     Overall mosquito counts continue to be low.

Morrow reminded residents, “It is important that the public continue to take 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.”

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 plastic 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.  For more information about mosquito borne disease visit www.ongov.net/health/mosquitoborne.html; this website is updated weekly.

 

The Onondaga County Health Department Announces A Public Flu and Pneumonia Vaccine Clinic

The flu vaccine is available in more locations than ever before, with many convenient options for Onondaga County residents with health insurance.   For these reasons, this year the Onondaga County Health Department, in cooperation with the Spanish Action League,  will be holding one public flu and pneumonia vaccine clinic, with a special emphasis on offering vaccines for uninsured individuals.  This clinic is scheduled on Friday, October 25th from 1:30 pm -4:30 pm, at the Spanish Action League (LaLiga), located at 700 Oswego Street, Syracuse, NY 13204.  Residents who would like more information on this flu and pneumonia vaccine clinic are encouraged to call the Health Department’s flu hotline at 435-5752.

This clinic is a walk-in clinic and no appointment is necessary.  The fee for the flu vaccine is based on a sliding fee scale, family income, and family size.  The cost for a flu vaccine will range from
$0 – $30.  Pneumonia shots will be $65.  Medicaid and Medicaid-managed care will be accepted as well. Nobody  will be turned away due to their inability to pay.

Cynthia Morrow, MD, MPH, Onondaga County Health Commissioner, explained, “Getting your flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent getting the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over six (6) months old get a flu vaccine.” Morrow further emphasized that the flu vaccine is especially important for children and adults with high risk conditions such as asthma.

The Onondaga County Health Department flu and pneumonia vaccine clinic will provide flu vaccines for anyone six (6) months of age and older.  Furthermore, FluMist„µ (a vaccine that is sprayed inside the nose) will also be available for those who prefer an alternative to the traditional flu shot.  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:

„X Pregnant women
„X Children younger than five, but especially children younger than two years old
„X People 50 years of age and older
„X People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
„X People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
„X 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 (either the shot or FluMist®).  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.

Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to protect your health as well as your family, friends, and others.  Get your flu vaccine to protect yourself and others!  For more information, call the Health Department’s flu hotline at 435-5752.

Changes to Availability of TB Testing Due to National Shortage

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Cynthia B. Morrow, MD, MPH, announced today that due to an ongoing national shortage of Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) Solution which is used to test for tuberculosis, the Onondaga County Health Department’s Tuberculosis (TB) Control Program will be prioritizing individuals in need of PPD testing using the Centers for Disease Control’s criteria and guidelines. Highest priority persons for testing include:

1. Persons who are contacts to infectious TB cases,
2. Persons being evaluated for suspected active TB,
3. Persons at increased risk for TB due to medical conditions,
4. Persons recently arrived from countries with high numbers of active TB cases.

We will continue to test individuals who meet the above criteria at the Civic Center location, Room 80. PPD testing is available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:30 am – 11:30 am.  Individuals who require annual employee/student testing, initial testing of new employees/students or daycare testing are recommended to contact their current primary care provider for testing or their referring agency for more guidance until the shortage has resolved.

If you have any questions, please contact the TB Control Program at (315) 435-3236.

More West Nile Virus in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow announced today that the New York State Health Department laboratory has reported finding additional evidence of West Nile virus in Onondaga County. The finding was in a mosquito pool collected from the Route 298 trap in the Town of Cicero on September 12, 2013 and sent to the New York State laboratory for testing.  Morrow reminded residents, “Until we have a hard frost, and while there is still mosquito activity, it is important that the public continue to take measures to avoid 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 plastic 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.  For more information about mosquito borne disease visit www.ongov.net/health/mosquitoborne.html; this website is updated weekly.

Additional Eastern Equine Encephalitis Found in Onondaga County Mosquito Pool

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow, announced today that the New York State Department of Health’s laboratory has reported additional evidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in an Onondaga County mosquito pool. A mosquito pool collected on September 10, 2013 at the East Taft Road trap was identified as having EEE. “Given very low mosquito counts and the recent weather, especially the frost last night, there is no plan to perform additional spraying” said Morrow.   She reminded the public that they should continue to practice personal protection measures to minimize their risk of mosquito borne illness as long as there is any mosquito activity.

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.

In addition to personal protection, the following are ways of helping to reduce mosquito breeding grounds:
„X Throw away outdoor plastic containers, ceramic pots or containers that hold water
„X Remove all tires from your property
„X Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors
„X Clean clogged rain gutters and make sure they continue to work properly
„X Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use
„X Change water in bird baths at least every four days
„X Clear vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds
„X Clean chlorinated swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs
„X Drain water from pool covers
„X 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.  For weekly mosquito borne disease updates visit:  www.ongov.net/health/mosquitobornedisease.

Additional Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow announced today that the New York State Department of Health’s laboratory has reported additional evidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquito pools. Mosquito pools collected on September 4, 2013 at the East Taft Road trap were identified as having both EEE and WNV.“Given very low mosquito counts and the extended weather forecast, there are no plans to perform additional spraying at this time” said Morrow. She reinforced that these findings provide further evidence that the public must continue to practice personal protection measures and to keep their yard free from standing water to reduce the mosquito population.

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 plastic 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. For weekly mosquito borne disease updates visit: www.ongov.net/health/mosquitobornedisease.

More West Nile Virus in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow announced today that the New York State Health Department laboratory has reported finding additional evidence of West Nile virus in Onondaga County. The finding was in a mosquito pool collected at the Midler Avenue trap in the city of Syracuse on August 28, 2013  and sent to the New York State laboratory for testing. This is the third finding of West Nile virus in Onondaga County this year. There have been no human cases of West Nile virus this year to date.

Morrow reminded residents, “It is important that the public continue to take measures to avoid 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 plastic 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.  For more information about mosquito borne disease visit www.ongov.net/health/mosquitoborne.html; this website is updated weekly.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Commissioner of Health, Cynthia Morrow, MD, MPH, announced that the New York State Department of Health’s laboratory has reported finding evidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in two mosquito pools near the Cicero Swamp. Both mosquito pools were collected on August 13, 2013 at our Taft Road trap site located at East Taft Road (near the Totman Road intersection).

Due to these findings, recent mosquito counts, and other factors, aerial spraying of the Cicero Swamp and immediate surrounding areas will be on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 7:00 pm,  weather permitting.   Residents in the spray areas, in addition to being notified through the media, will be notified through the emergency notification system. The designated spray area is generally bounded on the north by Route 31, on the west by Northern Boulevard, on the south by Taft Road and on the east by the county line (Chittenango Creek). Roads included in this area are: all or parts of Route 298, Bull Street, Eastwood Road, Island Road, Cicero Center Road, Fergerson Road, Ferstler Road and Oxbow Road. The pesticide that will be used for aerial spraying is Kontrol. This pesticide is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Division of Environmental Conservation for this use. A copy of the pesticide label can be found on the Onondaga County website at  /health/documents/MasterLineKontrol30-30label.pdf.    If someone would like a written copy of the pesticide label please call 435-1649.
During spraying, it is recommended that residents:
§         Stay indoors and keep windows closed for one hour after your area has been sprayed
§         Keep pets indoors if possible
§         Cover outdoor gardens and rinse vegetables before eating
§         Set your window air conditioners to circulate indoor air. It is safe to use your central air conditioning
§         Remove children’s toys that are outdoors, any outdoor furniture, and clothes from outdoor clotheslines
§         If toys or clothes have been left outdoors, wash each thoroughly with soap and water before using and launder clothes before wearing
§         If you are driving during the spraying, close your car windows and vents
It is also 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 tin cans, plastic 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
 To view 2013 Vector Control Public Notice for Aerial Pesticide Application of the Cicero Swamp visit /health/PublicNotice.html. For more information about personal protection measures contact the Onondaga County  Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 435-1649.

Wildlife Positive for Rabies in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Deputy Health Commissioner, Michelle Mignano, announced today that the New York State Health Department laboratory has reported that a fox and a raccoon in Onondaga County have tested positive for rabies. The fox was seen in the vicinity of Delhi Road and Clinton Street in the village of Jordan.  The raccoon was seen in the vicinity of Hitchings Road, Lafayette in the town of Otisco.   Any person who had physical contact with a fox or raccoon in these areas should call the Onondaga County Health Department Animal Disease Control Program at 435-3165 immediately.

Michelle Mignano stresses, “This is the time of year that the public may encounter wildlife.   It is important not to touch or feed wildlife because they may be rabid.” Protecting yourself from rabies is important year round.  Rabies is a fatal disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord. It can take several weeks to several months for rabies symptoms to appear. Early treatment after an exposure can prevent rabies.

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

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

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 clinics, visit www.ongov.net/health or call 435-3165.

AUGUST IS NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS MONTH

Don’t Forget Your Preteen or Teen!

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. This campaign is a reminder for people of all ages about the importance of getting vaccinated (shots). Preteens and teens are a group that you may not think about when talking about shots. Immunizations can help protect your preteen or teen from diseases they may be at risk for now and the future. As teens get older, the protection provided by some childhood vaccines begins to wear off; therefore, additional shots are needed (boosters). There are also new shots that are recommended for their age group.

There are four vaccines recommended for preteens and teens. Everyone age 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year. In addition to the flu shot, adolescents should be given three other vaccines when they are 11 – 12 years old, including Tdap, Meningitis, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Ask your health care provider at your next office visit about the shots your preteen or teen may need.
The vaccines recommended for adolescents include:
·        Tdap vaccine, to provide additional protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Pertussis, or whooping cough, can keep children out of school for weeks. It can also be spread to babies, which can be very dangerous.
·        Meningitis vaccine, to protect against meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria and is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis (a serious infection around the brain and spinal cord).
·        HPV vaccine, to protect against HPV. It is recommended for both boys and girls. HPV is the most common cause of cervical cancer in girls, and can also cause genital warts, throat cancer and anal cancer in both girls and boys.
·        Influenza vaccine, to protect against the flu. Even healthy kids can get the flu, and it can be serious. All kids should get the flu vaccine every year.
Preteens and teens are looking to you to help protect their health. Adolescents require a Tdap vaccine before the start of 6th grade for school entrance. If you are a parent or guardian, review your child’s shot record, talk to your child’s health care provider, and make sure your child is up-to-date on vaccinations and ready to go back to school. Schedule your appointment TODAY for any needed immunizations. This will prevent your child from missing any days from school due to needing vaccinations.
For more information on immunizations, contact the Onondaga County Health Department at
435-2000 or visit www.ongov.net.