Additional Mosquito Pools Found Positive for EEEV and WNV, Spraying of Cicero Swamp Planned

ONONDAGA COUNTY, AUGUST 25, 2023 – The Onondaga County Health Department has been notified that additional mosquitoes collected from traps located in the Cicero Swamp area in the town of Cicero tested positive for virus. A mosquito pool from the Route 298 trap and a pool from the Island Road trap tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) and a pool from the Route 298 trap tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).  EEEV was found last week in the Cicero Swamp area.  As temperatures remain warm, so will the threat of mosquito bites that can transmit disease. The Onondaga County Health Department urges residents to use personal protection measures when spending time outdoors.

The Onondaga County Health Department is making plans to conduct aerial spraying of the Cicero Swamp and immediate surrounding areas. This proactive measure is an attempt to interrupt the mosquito breeding cycles. Reducing the number of mosquitoes (although it is temporary) can reduce the number of mosquitoes available to transmit the virus to humans. The spraying is scheduled to take place on Monday, August 28, 2023, after 6:30pm, weather permitting. If weather or wind conditions are unfavorable on Monday, the spraying will be conducted on the next appropriate day and will be announced through local news, social media, and other communication channels. Residents in the spray areas will be notified by phone through the 911 emergency notification system.

The designated spray areas are 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. To view a map of the spraying area, visit: www.ongov.net/health/documents/SprayMapCicero.pdf.

The pesticide that will be used for aerial spraying is Kontrol 30-30. 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 Health Department website at https://ongov.net/health/env/documents/Kontrol3030Label.pdf. A written copy of the label can be provided by calling 315-435-1649.

If you live in the spray area, from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm on the day of the scheduled spraying, it is recommended that you:

  • Refrain from using any flying camera drones, model aircraft or similar aerial flying products.
  • Stay indoors and keep your windows closed for one hour after the area has been sprayed.
  • Keep your pets indoors if possible.
  • Set your window air conditioners to circulate indoor air. It is safe to use your central air conditioning.
  • Keep outdoor gardens covered and rinse vegetables before eating.
  • Be sure children’s toys, outdoor furniture, and clothes on outdoor clotheslines are brought inside. If toys or clothes are left outdoors, wash each thoroughly with soap and water before using and launder clothes before wearing them.
  • Close your car windows and car vents if you are driving during the spraying.

Onondaga County residents who would like to receive community alerts by wireless phones, text messages, and/or TTY may register for the Hyper-Reach Emergency Notification System through the Department of Emergency Communications—911 Center at www.ongov.net/911/notification.html. Landlines are already included in the 911 emergency notification system.

For more information about spraying and protecting yourself from mosquitoes, visit www.ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html or call the Onondaga County Health Department at 315.435.1649.

Mosquitoes Found Positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus

ONONDAGA COUNTY, AUGUST 16, 2023 – The Onondaga County Health Department was notified by the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory today that two mosquito pools from a trap located at Taft Road in the town of Cicero tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV). This first positive finding of virus in mosquitoes this year in Onondaga County serves as a reminder for all residents to remain consistent in using personal protection measures.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Kathryn Anderson explains, “EEEV is one of a number of viruses that can be spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. While mosquito counts in Central New York have been low throughout this season, it is always important to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.”

Eastern Equine Encephalitis
EEE is a rare but serious disease that causes encephalitis or inflammation of the brain. People over the age of 50 and younger than the age of 15 are at the greatest risk of developing severe disease when infected with EEEV.

Personal Protection Measures
Personal protection is recommended during outdoor activities by wearing shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outside for a long period of time. Use insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and other products that have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on proper use for safety and effectiveness. Insect repellents should be applied only to intact skin or over clothing. Do NOT apply DEET or Picaridin directly onto children’s skin—apply to your own hands and then put it on the child. Repellent should never be used on babies younger than 2 months old.

Remove Standing Water from Your Property
It is extremely important to remove mosquito breeding grounds by eliminating any standing water that may have collected on your property:

  • 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 birdbaths 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

The Onondaga County Health Department remains in close contact with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). The decision to spray is based on several factors including, but not limited to, the number of mosquitoes found in mosquito surveillance traps. All spraying decisions are made with assistance from NYSDOH and the NYSDEC.

For the weekly mosquito pool test results and for more information about personal protection measures against mosquitoes, visit ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html or contact the Onondaga County Health Department’s Division of Environmental Health at 315. 435.1649.

Syracuse Teens Attend Youth Summit at SUNY Adirondack; Fight Against Menthol-Flavored Tobacco Products That Attract and Addict New Smokers

1 in 5 New York State High School-Age Youth Use Tobacco Products According to New York State Department of Health[i]

Local Reality Check youth advocates joined over one-hundred teens this month from around the state at SUNY Adirondack in Queensbury, New York a four-day youth summit to educate, empower, and equip them to fight back against the marketing tactics of the tobacco industry in their home communities.  The teens, Armani Coffee, Brianna Burton, Bryson Reed, and Blake Kazaka are part of Reality Check, a NYS Department of Health-funded program. They will employ what they learned to raise awareness about Big Tobacco’s long history of aggressive marketing and promotion of menthol-flavored tobacco products to young people, people of color, LGBTQIA+ communities and other groups, and its deadly impact on them.

This was the first Reality Check Youth Summit experience for all four youth attendees. Gillette Road Middle School student Blake Kazaka described his youth summit experience as “fun, educational, and inspiring.” Tobacco-Free CNY Reality Check Coordinator, Antonio Palmer explained, “This was a great opportunity for youth to learn and ultimately grow as tobacco control advocates and leaders in their respective communities. Aside from unifying youth from across New York State, Youth Summit serves as an impetus for youth to continue taking action against the tobacco industry and their marketing tactics.”

This year’s Youth Summit culminated in a large display of youth activism at Aviation Mall in Queensbury, NY. Youth participated in palm card pitching, tabling, interviewing their fellow peers, and created a captivating mural representing youth empowerment within tobacco control. The tobacco industry’s own documents say that, “today’s teenager is tomorrow’s potential regular customer.”[ii] Reality Check youth are telling their communities across the state that they refuse to be a target for Big Tobacco or be recruited by them. Reality Check’s message is clear: Menthol is not just a flavor. It’s a way for Big Tobacco to attract and addict us. There’s nothing just about that.

During the summit, the teens were often seen wearing “It’s Not Just,” T-shirts, representing Tobacco Free NYS’s current statewide campaign to raise awareness of the harmful effects of menthol-flavored tobacco products. The “It’s Not Just” dual meanings are: 1) menthol is not JUST a flavor, but also a way for tobacco companies to attract and addict new smokers, and 2) the communities targeted by the tobacco industry experience unfair and unjust health burdens resulting from tobacco use. When it comes to making a difference in the community, Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central student Brianna Burton shared, “Not everyone is going to want to hear what you have to say, what matters most is that the information is readily available for those who want it”.

Social media posts about youth summit can be found using #RCSummit23, #NotJustMenthol and #SeenEnoughTobacco.

Reality Check of New York State is funded by the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Tobacco Control’s, Tobacco Control Program of New York State (TCP). TCP aims to reduce illness, disability, and death related to tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure, and to alleviate the social and economic burdens caused by tobacco use.

[i] Youth Tobacco Use Continues to Decline Across All Product Types in 2022, One in Five Youth Still Use Tobacco. StatShot Vol. 15, No1/May 2023. NYS DOH Bureau of Tobacco Control. Accessed July 2023. https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/reports/statshots/volume15/n1_youth_tobacco_use.pdf

[ii] “Tobacco Company Quotes on Marketing to Kids.” Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, 2021. Accessed June 2023. https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/assets/factsheets/0114.pdf. 

Jamesville Beach Closed for Swimming Due to Visual Presence of Algal Bloom 

ONONDAGA COUNTY, JULY 14, 2023 – The Onondaga County Health Department announced today that Jamesville Beach located in the Town of LaFayette is closed for swimming due to the visual presence of an algal bloom. Water sampling will be conducted to confirm there are no toxins before the beach is reopened. Please note that this does not affect the park’s other amenities during normal hours of operation 

Algal blooms can turn the water green and can form thick surface scums on the water. Certain types of algae can release toxins that may cause skin or eye irritation, or diarrhea and vomiting if ingested. People and animals should keep out of the water where algal blooms are present in any body of water. 

The Health Department recommends taking the following precautions: 

  • Don’t swim, wade, boat, or fish near blooms or scums and don’t eat fish caught from waters with blooms 
  • Don’t drink the water 
  • Keep children and animals away from any blooms or scums 
  • Rinse with clean water if exposed 

To learn more about blue-green algae visit: 

While Jamesville Beach is closed, the public can enjoy the Oneida Shores Beach in Brewerton which is open Monday-Thursday, 12-6pm; Friday-Sunday, 11-6pm. For future updates on the closure status of Onondaga County Parks beaches please visit www.onondagacountyparks.com/about/water-quality-testing/ or call the Division of Environmental Health at 315.435.6600. 

Heat Advisory for Central New York

Onondaga County Health Department Advises Residents to Take Precautions Against Extreme Heat and Humidity

ONONDAGA COUNTY, JULY 6, 2023 – A heat advisory for Central New York has been issued from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm today, Thursday, July 6 with expected heat index values of up to 98 degrees. Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Kathryn Anderson advises residents to take precautions against the extreme heat and humidity that is expected today in Onondaga County.

It is important to take steps to stay cool during hot and humid weather. For those who are at an increased risk for heat-related illness such as the elderly, small children, overweight individuals, those with chronic health problems or who take certain medications, extreme heat conditions can be dangerous or even deadly.

To stay healthy during hot weather it is important to follow these safety tips:

  • Drink water regularly, even if you’re not feeling thirsty. Avoid or limit intake of alcoholic or very sugary beverages.
  • Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location. If your home is not air-conditioned, visit public places such as senior centers, libraries, and malls. A listing is available here.
  • Keep curtains and window shades closed.
  • Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
  • Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Schedule outdoor activities carefully and pace yourself.
  • Protect face and head from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Check in on your family, friends, and neighbors often.
  • NEVER leave children, disabled individuals, or pets in cars.
  • Know the signs of heat exhaustion (excessive sweating, dizziness, fatigue, nausea) and heatstroke (hot, red skin, rapid pulse, confusion). If you or someone around you shows these symptoms, move to a cool or shaded location and seek medical attention immediately by calling 911.

Stay informed by monitoring local weather updates and heat index forecasts from the  National Weather Service. Older adults needing information on Senior Cooling Centers may contact the Onondaga County Office for Aging at 315.435.2362.

For more information about heat-related illness and prevention tips call the Onondaga County Health Department at 315.435.3280 or visit ongov.net/health/heat.html or emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/faq.asp.

Oneida Shores Beach Closed for Swimming

ONONDAGA COUNTY, JUNE 27, 2023 – The Onondaga County Health Department announced today that Oneida Shores Beach, located in the town of Cicero, will be closed for swimming due to high levels of bacteria (E.coli) in the water. Swimming will not be allowed until bacteria levels return to acceptable levels. The Health Department will be monitoring the lake water daily until bacteria levels reach acceptable standards. The public should refer to the Onondaga County Parks website for reopening information.

Most varieties of E. coli are harmless or cause brief diarrhea. While only some types of bacteria will cause gastrointestinal illness, the presence of E. coli bacteria is an indicator of increased general bacterial action in the water. Anyone concerned about gastrointestinal symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.

Please note that this does not affect Oneida Shores’ other amenities during normal hours of operation. While Oneida Shores is closed to swimming, Onondaga County Parks encourages the public to use Jamesville Beach as an alternative.

FOR FUTURE UPDATES on bacterial testing and closure status for Oneida Shores Beach, please visit: www.onondagacountyparks.com/about/water-quality-testing/ or call the Division of Environmental Health at 315.435.6600.

Air Quality Index Due to Quebec Wildfires Now at Hazardous Level in Onondaga County; Onondaga County Health Department Urges Public to Stay Safe 

ONONDAGA COUNTY, JUNE 7, 2023 – The Onondaga County Health Department is closely monitoring the hazardous air quality conditions resulting from the wildfires in Quebec. The wildfires have caused a significant deterioration in air quality, affecting a large geographical area in the US, including Onondaga County.  

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Kathryn Anderson explained, “the Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached hazardous levels in Onondaga County, which can have adverse effects on individuals, especially those with respiratory conditions, older adults, children, and people with compromised immune systems. It is vital for everyone to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones during this challenging period.” 

The Health Department recommends that all outdoor activities be cancelled for today, and to monitor the situation at airnow.gov. 

The Onondaga County Health Department advises the following measures to minimize exposure and reduce the potential health risks associated with poor air quality: 

  • Stay indoors. Avoid outdoor activities, especially during peak pollution times when the air quality is at its worst, typically midday and afternoon. 
  • Create a clean indoor environment: Keep windows and doors closed to prevent the entry of smoke and other pollutants. Use air purifiers or filters, if available, to improve indoor air quality. 
  • Run an air conditioner (AC) if you have one. Central AC does not draw in outside air. Be sure that your filter is clean and that you are using the highest-rated filter that your HVAC system can accommodate. Many window AC units can be set on recirculate but be sure to close the outside air damper. More information about your AC unit is available from the manufacturer website or customer service. Ensure the seal between the window and the air conditioner is tight. More information about indoor air quality is available at https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/wildfires-and-indoor-air-quality-iaq  
  • Use masks or respirators: When outdoor activities are unavoidable, it is recommended that individuals wear N95 or KN95 masks or respirators. 
  • Avoid physical exertion: Reduce prolonged or intense outdoor activities, especially those that cause heavy breathing, as it can increase the intake of pollutants into your lungs. 
  • Stay informed: Monitor local air quality updates by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at airnow.gov. 
  • Take care of your health: If you experience symptoms such as persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or other respiratory distress, seek medical attention promptly. Follow the guidance of your healthcare provider. Continue your medications for asthma and other lung conditions. 
  • Stay calm. This is a temporary situation that will pass, likely within days.

The Onondaga County Health Department is collaborating with state agencies to closely monitor the situation and provide updated information as needed. We understand that these conditions may cause discomfort and concern, but by taking precautionary measures, we can collectively mitigate the risks associated with the hazardous air quality index.  

Onondaga County Health Department Urges Residents to Take Precautions in Response to Air Quality Alert Caused by Quebec Wildfires

UPDATE, JUNE 6, 2023, 5:40PM: The current Air Quality Index is now at a “Very Unhealthy” level. These levels are dynamic and may change as the day progresses. Stay informed at AirNow.gov and National Weather Service.

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ONONDAGA COUNTY, JUNE 6, 2023 – The Onondaga County Health Department is issuing an important alert to all residents regarding the current air quality conditions in our area caused by the smoke from the wildfires in Quebec. We urge all residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families.

Dr. Kathryn Anderson, Onondaga County Health Commissioner, emphasizes the significance of taking proactive steps during this time. “The smoke from the wildfires can pose serious health risks, especially those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly. It is essential to be aware of the situation and take appropriate measures to minimize exposure to the smoke.”

If you are healthy, you’re usually not at a major risk from short-term exposures to smoke; however, it’s a good idea for everyone to limit their exposure as much as possible, both outdoors and indoors. To ensure the safety and well-being of our community members, the Onondaga County Health Department recommends the following precautions:

  1. Limit outdoor and exertional activities: We are under an “Unhealthy” air quality index which means that people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged outdoor activity or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged outdoor activity or heavy exertion. People with heart or lung diseases such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at increased risk because the excess small particle pollution currently in the air can aggravate these diseases. People with diabetes also may be at increased risk, possibly because they are more likely to have underlying cardiovascular disease.
  2. Create a clean indoor environment: Keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering your home. Use air purifiers or air conditioning units with high-efficiency filters to improve indoor air quality if possible. Avoid activities that can contribute to indoor pollution, such as smoking or burning candles.
  3. Take care of your health: If you experience symptoms such as persistent coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, or wheezing, seek medical attention promptly. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice and continue taking any prescribed medications as directed. If you are at high risk and must be outdoors, you may consider wearing a respirator/high quality mask (for example, an N95) while air quality remains poor.
  4. Stay informed: Monitor local air quality reports and stay updated on the current situation. Pay attention to announcements or alerts from the Onondaga County Health Department and follow their recommendations.

The Onondaga County Health Department is closely monitoring the situation. We will continue to provide regular updates and guidance to the community. Learn more about the health effects of wildfire smoke.

Onondaga County Health Department Shares Tips to Prevent Mosquito and Tick-Borne Diseases

ONONDAGA COUNTY, MAY 26, 2023 – As the warm weather approaches, the Onondaga County Health Department emphasizes the importance of protecting ourselves and our community against mosquito and tick-borne diseases. 

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Kathryn Anderson reminds residents, “as we head into the holiday weekend and enjoy spending time outdoors, it is important to take steps to safeguard our well-being by preventing mosquito and tick bites, which can transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus (WNV), Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and Lyme.” 

The Health Department has begun their annual mosquito surveillance and control program for 2023, and weekly data reports will begin in June. This program collects and tests mosquitoes for viruses including WNV and EEE virus. The program also uses larvicide (an insecticide) to control mosquito breeding in standing bodies of water. 

The Health Department is providing this list of simple prevention measures that can protect ourselves and our families. 

Personal Protection: 

  1. Be cautious during peak activity: Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. If possible, limit your outdoor activities during these times. 
  2. Wear long sleeves and long pants: When spending time outdoors, particularly in wooded or grassy areas, wear protective clothing that covers your arms and legs. Tuck your pant legs into your socks.  Light colors can help you better see any ticks that may be on you. 
  3. Protect your pets with flea and tick products. This may reduce the likelihood of fleas and ticks being brought into your home. Seek the advice of your veterinarian. 
  4. Apply insect repellent: Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone. Follow the instructions carefully and reapply as necessary. Use this EPA search tool to help you choose the repellent product that is right for you, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on proper use for safety and effectiveness.  
  5. Check for ticks: After being outdoors, thoroughly inspect your body for ticks. Pay close attention to hidden areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, and around the waistband. Promptly remove any ticks using fine-tipped tweezers. See how to safely remove ticks here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGrK4ZKUfhQ.  Also check your pets for ticks they may have carried in from outside.

Protection at Home: 

  1. Install or repair window screens: Ensure that all windows and doors have screens in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. 
  2. Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Regularly empty, clean, or cover any outdoor containers that can collect water, such as flowerpots, buckets, and birdbaths. 
  3. Keep doors and windows closed: During peak mosquito activity, keep windows and doors closed, or use screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. 
  4. Maintain your yard: Regularly mow the lawn, trim vegetation, and remove leaf litter. Ticks thrive in tall grass and shady areas. 
  5. Create a tick-safe zone: Consider creating a barrier of wood chips or gravel between your yard and wooded areas to reduce tick migration into recreational spaces. 
  6. Use mosquito dunks: Treat ornamental ponds, rain barrels, and other standing water sources with mosquito dunks or larvicides that specifically target mosquito larvae.

The Onondaga County Health Department encourages residents to follow these preventive measures to reduce the risk of mosquito and tick-borne diseases. By taking proactive steps, we can all enjoy the beautiful outdoors while staying healthy and safe. 

More Information and ResourcesFor more information about mosquito-borne illnesses or Lyme disease, contact the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 315.435.1649 or visit: 

Onondaga County Health Departmentongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.htmlongov.net/health/env/lyme.html 

New York State Department of Healthwww.health.ny.gov/diseases/west_nile_virus/ www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)www.cdc.gov/westnile/www.cdc.gov/EasternEquineEncephalitis/www.cdc.gov/lyme/ 

 

Onondaga County Health Department Reminds Residents to Take Precautions Against Rabies During Warmer Months

ONONDAGA COUNTY, MAY 12, 2023 – As the warmer months approach, the Onondaga County Health Department is reminding residents to take precautions against rabies.

Onondaga County Commissioner of Health, Dr. Kathryn Anderson, explains that “Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease, and vaccinating our pets is the key to protecting our pets and ourselves. By taking simple precautions, we can reduce the risk of exposure and help keep our community safe.”

The Onondaga County Health Department recommends the following to prevent the spread of rabies:

  • Make sure that all pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. This is especially important for dogs and cats, as they can come into contact with wild animals. Appointments at an upcoming Onondaga County Health Department rabies shot clinic are available at https://ochdrabiesclinic.as.me/schedule.php.
  • Keep garbage cans tightly closed to prevent wild animals from accessing them. This will help reduce the risk of exposure to rabies.
  • Never approach or pet a wild or unfamiliar animal. Keep your distance from stray cats and dogs. Please also teach this to your children, and stress the importance of notifying an adult if they see an animal acting strangely.
  • Call your town or local municipality for guidance on how to remove stray or wild animals from your neighborhood.
  • Report animal bites. If you are bitten by an animal, seek medical attention immediately and report the bite to the Onondaga County Health Department at 315-435-3165.
  • Bat-proof your home:
    • Look for holes in places like the garage, attic, and basement and plug them with steel wool. Repair window screen holes with wire mesh and caulk any openings or cracks.
    • Trap any bat found in your home—do not let it escape outdoors. For a video on how to trap a bat visit ongov.net/health/env/rabies.html. Once the bat is caught, call the Animal Disease Control Program at 315-435-3165 to bring the bat in for testing at our Field Office on Route 31 in Clay. If you cannot trap the bat, call a local trapper for assistance.

By taking these simple precautions, residents can help protect themselves, their families, and their pets against rabies. For more information about rabies and how to prevent it, please visit ongov.net/health/env/rabies.html or see some helpful FAQs at ongov.net/health/env/documents/RabiesFAQ.pdf.