More West Nile virus Found in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow, announced today that additional West Nile virus activity has been identified. The New York State Health Department laboratory has reported finding evidence of West Nile virus in two mosquito traps in Onondaga County. These pools were collected on Island Road and Route 298 in the town of Cicero.
Morrow reinforced to residents that the Health Department anticipates that there will continue to be West Nile  virus activity for the rest of the season. “With West Nile virus being this widespread, it is critical that the public continue to take measures to reduce their risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.”  “Although we’re nearing the end of the season, people should remain vigilant until there’s 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:
•       Put away outdoor containers, ceramic pots or other 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 diseases visit www.ongov.net/health. This website is updated weekly.

FREE Mammograms For Women Without Health Insurance

When was your last mammogram? On October 19th celebrate National Mammography Day by scheduling your mammogram! Women between the ages of 40 and 64 who do not have health insurance may qualify for a free breast exam, mammogram, and Pap test through the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP). If you are an uninsured woman ages 40 to 64, call 435-3653 today!

Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer (after skin cancer) detected among women in the United States. The chance of a woman developing breast cancer in her lifetime is a little less than 1 in 8. Routine screenings are an important step in the early detection and successful treatment of breast cancer.

All women are at risk for breast cancer, but as women grow older their risk increases. Besides age, there are many other factors that may increase a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer. Some of these factors include having a family history of breast cancer, having inherited changes on specific genes such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, never having had children, or having a first child after the age of 30. Breast cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages, however as it progresses symptoms may include:
„X a lump or thickening in the breast
„X pain in the breast or the nipple
„X nipple discharge
„X dimpling of the breast skin
„X flaky, red, or swollen skin anywhere on the breast.

Screening for breast cancer includes a clinical breast exam and a mammogram. A clinical breast exam is an exam of a woman’s breasts by a healthcare provider that allows him/her to feel for any lumps or abnormalities. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast.

The CSP also offers free colorectal cancer screening for eligible men and women ages 50 to 64 who do not have health insurance. These services are available at private health care provider offices throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County. Please call 435-3653 today to see if you qualify!

The Onondaga County Health Department Announces the 2012 Public Flu and Pneumonia Vaccine Clinic Schedule

The Onondaga County Health Department, in partnership with the University of Rochester Medical Center, has scheduled three (3) flu and pneumonia vaccine clinics throughout Onondaga County. The clinics are scheduled on:
  • Saturday October 6th from 9:00 am -12:00 noon at Believers Chapel in Cicero
  • Tuesday, October 9th from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm at Solvay-Geddes Community Center in Syracuse
  • Tuesday October 16th from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm at Tucker Missionary Baptist Church in Syracuse
Cynthia Morrow, MD, MPH, Commissioner of Health for Onondaga County, explained, “Getting a flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent getting the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over 6 months old get a flu vaccine.” Morrow further explained that the flu vaccine is especially important for children and adults with high risk conditions such as asthma.  Starting today, Onondaga County residents can schedule appointments either online at www.onflu.net  or by telephone at 435-5752. The telephone hotline will be operating Monday-Friday from 9:00 am -4:00 pm.
 
Individuals with access to a computer and an email account can schedule a flu or pneumonia vaccine appointment on-line anytime, 24 hours a day. Friends and/or family members can also schedule an appointment for those who do not have web access.    Individuals can schedule up to ten appointments for themselves, family and/or friends. The on-line service also includes information about: locations and directions to clinics, what you need to bring to your appointment, and general information about both flu and pneumonia prevention.
The CDC recommends everyone over  6 months of age get a flu vaccine each year. To support this, and to provide optimal customer service, all Onondaga County Health Department flu and pneumonia vaccine clinics will provide flu vaccines for children six months old and older and their families. Furthermore, FluMistâ (a vaccine that is sprayed inside the nose) will also be available for those who prefer an alternative to the traditional flu shot. FluMistâ is only recommended and offered to healthy children and adults ages 2-49 years old.
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 nine and only received one dose of vaccine last year, they should receive one dose this year.
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)
Getting a flu vaccine helps to protect your health as well as that of your family, friends, and others. Get your flu vaccine … to protect yourself and others!

More West Nile Virus Found in Onondaga County

More West Nile Virus Found in Onondaga County
Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow, announced today that additional West Nile virus activity has been identified. The New York State Health Department laboratory has reported finding evidence of West Nile virus in a mosquito trap in Onondaga County. This pool was collected on Island Road in the town of Cicero.   In addition, “Since the last update, three new cases of human infection with West Nile virus have been reported to the Onondaga County Health Department. These cases involve adults who were briefly hospitalized and all are recovering,” Morrow explained.
 Morrow reinforced to residents that the Health Department anticipates that there will continue to be West Nile virus activity for the rest of the season. “With West Nile virus being this widespread, it is critical that the public continue to take measures to reduce their risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.”
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:
•       Put away outdoor containers, ceramic pots or other 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 diseases visit www.ongov.net/health. This website is updated weekly.

Be Prepared: Make a Family Emergency Plan

Kevin E. Wisely, Commissioner of the Onondaga County Department of Emergency Management, is encouraging Onondaga County residents to make a family emergency plan.   An advanced emergency plan helps your family stay safe when an emergency strikes. Wisely explains, “It is best to involve all family members in your planning and start by having a family discussion about being prepared for an emergency. When developing your plan, families should consider the special needs of infants and young children, older people, and family members with disabilities.’

When making your emergency plan, consider who the plan will cover, what supplies you will need, such as food and water for three days, what accommodations to make for your pets, cash that you will need immediate access to, and important documents (such as financial and medical records) that you should have handy.

Other important factors to consider:

  • Meet with your household members to discuss potential emergencies such as fire, flooding, severe weather, and chemical hazards.
  • Plan two escape routes from your home including ways out from above the first floor.
  • Pick two emergency meeting places. A place near your home in case of a fire and a place outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home after a disaster. Let everyone know these locations in advance.  Include a way to contact each other in case of delays, but remember that cell and landline phone service may not work well during some situations.
  • Identify safe locations in your home for each hazard.
  • Maintain at least half a tank of gas in your vehicles.
  • Discuss what to do for power outages.
  • Post emergency phone numbers in your home and program them into your phones’ contact lists.
  • Teach your children when to call 9-1-1 and what to say.
  • Instruct household members to turn on the radio for emergency information. Have good batteries on hand to power at least one radio.
  • Select contacts if household members are separated during an emergency. Contacts should include one out-of-state person and one other local person.
  • Keep your important records in a water and fire-proof container.

For more information about how to plan for an emergency, please visit: https://ready.ongov.net/

More West Nile Virus Found in Onondaga County

More West Nile Virus Found in Onondaga County
Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow, announced today that additional West Nile virus activity has been identified. The New York State Health Department laboratory has reported finding evidence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes in three different locations in Onondaga County. These findings were in mosquito pools collected on Island Road and Taft Road, both in the town of Cicero and on Midland Avenue in the city of Syracuse.   In addition, “Since the last update, two new probable cases of human infection with West Nile virus have been reported to the Onondaga County Health Department. Both cases involve adults who were briefly hospitalized within the last month but who are recovering.” Morrow explained.
 Morrow reinforced to residents that the Health Department anticipates that there will continue to be West Nile virus activity for the rest of the season. “With West Nile virus being this widespread, it is critical that the public continue to take measures to reduce their risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.”
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:
•       Put away outdoor containers, ceramic pots or other 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 diseases visit www.ongov.net/health. This website is updated weekly.

West Nile Virus Death in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow was notified by the New York State Health Department laboratory of the second human case of West Nile Virus in Onondaga County this year.  This individual, an older adult, was hospitalized and later succumbed to the disease.  “It is with sorrow that I share this news today.  My thoughts are with the family,” said Dr. Morrow.  Morrow further explained out of respect for the family and for confidentiality reasons, the details of this individual’s death will not be shared with the public.

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

First Known Human Case of West Nile Virus in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow was notified late yesterday by the New York State Health Department laboratory of the first known  human case of West Nile virus this year in Onondaga County. Morrow reports that the adult was briefly hospitalized and is doing well and expects to have a full recovery. Morrow reinforced,   “This first known human case of West Nile virus underscores that West Nile virus is widespread and residents are urged to consistently take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes”.
Furthermore, the New York State Health Department also reported finding evidence of West Nile virus in two locations in Onondaga County.  These findings were in mosquito pools collected in the town of Lysander on East Mud Lake Road on July 31 and also in the city of Syracuse on Midler Avenue on August 1, 2012.
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:
•       Put away outdoor containers, ceramic pots or other 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; this website is updated weekly.

West Nile Virus in Onondaga County

For Further Information Please Call:
Cynthia B. Morrow, MD, MPH
Commissioner of Health
(315) 435-3155

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow announced today that the New York State Health Department laboratory has reported finding evidence of West Nile virus in five different locations in Onondaga County.  These findings were in mosquito pools collected in the: Town of Jordan; at Beaver Lake Nature Center in Town of Lysander;  at the Clay Marsh in the Town of Clay;  at Taft Road in the Town of Cicero; and at Oneida Shores Park in Brewerton. The traps were collected last week between July 20 and July 26 and sent to the New York State laboratory for testing.  Morrow reinforced to  residents: “It is evident that West Nile virus is widespread and it is essential that the public take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes”.

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:
•       Put away outdoor containers, ceramic pots or other 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; this website is updated weekly.

West Nile Virus in Onondaga County

For Further Information Please Call:
Cynthia B. Morrow, MD, MPH
Commissioner of Health
(315) 435-3155

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow announced today that the New York State Health Department laboratory has reported finding 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 July 11, 2012 and sent to the New York State laboratory for testing. This is the second finding of West Nile virus in Onondaga County this year.

Morrow reminded residents, “It is important that the public 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:
• Put away outdoor containers, ceramic pots or other 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; this website is updated weekly.