Blue-Green Algae Blooms in Oneida

DEPARTMENT: Health Department For Further Information Please Call:

Russell Nemecek

DATE: July 17, 2012 (315) 435-6623

******* FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *******

Blue-Green Algae Blooms in Oneida River

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow has issued a Blue-Green Algae Advisory for the Oneida River. This advisory was issued because a blue-green algae bloom has been identified on the west side of Horseshoe Island in the Oneida River. People and animals should avoid contact with any algae blooms, surface scums, and colored water.

Blue-green algal blooms can turn the water green and can form thick surface scums on the water. Dr. Morrow states that, “Certain types of blue-green 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 blooms are present.”

The Health Department recommends taking the following precautions:

• Don’t swim, wade or fish near algae blooms or surface scums

• Don’t drink the water

• Keep children and animals away from any algae blooms or surface scums

• Rinse with clean water if exposed

Anyone who has come into contact with the algae bloom or surface scum and has skin or eye irritation or gastrointestinal illness should contact their health care provider. For further information, please call the Onondaga County Health Department at 435-6600.

Learn more about blue-green algae at: health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/bluegreenalgae.htm and dec.ny.gov/chemical/77118.html

Raccoons Test Positive for Rabies

Raccoons Test Positive for Rabies

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow, announced today that the New York State Health Department laboratory has reported that three raccoons have tested positive for rabies. The raccoons were located near Cold Brook Road in the Town of Spafford, Barker Street in the Town of Otisco, and Shea Road in the Town of Pompey. Any person who had physical contact with a raccoon in these areas should call the Onondaga County Health Department Animal Disease Control Program at 435-1649 immediately.

Dr. Morrow stresses, “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 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.

· 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.

Increase in Gastrointestinal Illness in Onondaga County

Cynthia B. Morrow, MD, MPH, Commissioner of Health announced today that there have been 15 laboratory confirmed and an additional 10 probable cases of shigellosis identified in Onondaga County recently. Dr. Morrow cautions that more cases are expected as the investigation continues. Morrow explained, “Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. It is associated with consuming water or products contaminated with fecal matter. The incubation period is 1 – 3 days. Many people who are infected with Shigella develop fever, painful bloody or mucous diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Shigellosis usually resolves in 5 – 7 days. The disease is often worse in children and medical treatment is sometimes necessary in severe cases.”

The source of the Shigella has not yet been identified although we are currently investigating clusters of cases. We are working diligently to identify the source. In an effort to identify the source, we are asking anyone who has symptoms consistent with shigellosis to contact their health care provider for further medical guidance and for possible testing. In addition, we are asking them to carefully consider what they ate in the four days prior to becoming ill.

Tips for preventing the spread of Shigellosis:

§ Carefully wash all fruits and vegetables. Cook foods to the appropriate temperatures. Minimize cross-contamination of foods by washing cutting boards/knives and other shared surfaces.

§ Do not prepare food for others while ill with diarrhea

§ Wash hand with soap carefully and frequently especially after using the bathroom, after changing diapers, and before preparing foods or beverages.

§ Supervise hand washing of toddlers and small children after they use the toilet

§ Dispose of soiled diapers properly

§ Disinfect diaper-changing areas after using them

§ Keep children with diarrhea out of child care settings

Raccoons Test Positive for Rabies

Raccoons Test Positive for Rabies

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

First Evidence of West Nile Virus in Onondaga County

DATE: June 12, 2012 Cynthia B. Morrow, MD, MPH
Commissioner of Health
435-3155

******* FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *******

First Evidence of West Nile Virus in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, 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 Rte. 298 trap in the Town of Cicero on June 7, 2012 and sent to the New York State laboratory for testing. This is the first finding of West Nile virus in Onondaga County this year. There have been no human cases of West Nile virus reported in Onondaga County this year.

Onondaga County started its adult mosquito surveillance program in May. Morrow explained, “This is a very early finding of West Nile virus in Onondaga County so people may not be thinking about mosquito borne illness yet. This is a reminder that it is essential that the public take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by consistently using personal protection measures. Also, keep your yard free from standing water because this is a breeding ground for mosquitoes to multiply.”

Using personal protection measures is a key way in helping to reduce risk of illness from 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:

· 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

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.

Celebrate Men’s Health Week With A Free Colorectal Cancer Screening!

Date of Release: June 8, 2012 For Further Information Please Call:

Kathy Mogle

435-3280

Celebrate Men’s Health Week With A Free Colorectal Cancer Screening!

The week of June 11^th– 17^th is National Men’s Health Week. National Men’s Health Week is a weeklong health observance ending with the Father’s Day holiday that is coordinated by Men’s Health Network, a national non-profit organization. This is a week for men to take charge of their health and make it a top priority in

their life.

The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) Partnership is reminding uninsured men between the ages of 50 and 64 that a free at-home colorectal cancer screening kit is available to them by calling 435-3653. Routine screening is an important step in lowering a man’s risk of developing colorectal cancer in his lifetime and early detection has proven to save lives. The CSP supports men by helping them to take steps towards a healthier life.

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death among men in the U.S. A man’s chances of developing colorectal cancer can be increased by factors such as age, a personal or family history of these cancers, and a lack of routine screening. The good news is that colorectal cancer can be prevented by screening, if polyps are found and removed before they develop into cancer.

Studies show that people who are uninsured are less likely to seek routine preventive medical care. During Men’s Health Week, the CSP encourages uninsured men of Onondaga County to take charge of their health and call 435-3653 to see if they qualify for a free colorectal cancer screening. Call today!

For more information on free cancer screenings find us on Facebook or visit our website at /health/cancerscreening.html.

Free Breast Exams, Pap Tests, and Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests at Syracuse Community Health Center

For more information contact Emily Young, Public Health Educator at 315-435-3280

Uninsured women ages 40 to 64 will have the valuable opportunity to receive free breast exams, mammograms, and Pap tests at Syracuse Community Health Center located at 819 S. Salina Street, in collaboration with the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) Partnership. For uninsured women ages 50 to 64, a free at-home colorectal cancer screening kit will also be offered. There will be two screening days available at this location. They are Wednesday, June 6th and Tuesday, June 26th. Appointments are necessary and can be scheduled by calling the CSP today at 435-3653.

Studies show that the uninsured are less likely to seek preventative medical care. The CSP encourages uninsured women and men of Onondaga County to put their health first and to schedule their free breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings today.

According to the American Cancer Society, the likelihood of women and men in the U.S. developing some form of cancer in their lifetime is very high. In the U.S., one in three women and one in two men are likely to develop some form of cancer in their lifetime. Routine screenings are an important step towards the early detection of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. Make it a point to obtain routine cancer screenings for yourself and to remind your family members to do the same.

If you are uninsured, do not miss this valuable and potentially life-saving opportunity to be screened for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. Call 435-3653 today to schedule your appointment!

For more information on free cancer screenings find us on Facebook or visit our website at /health/cancerscreening.html.

Celebrate Women’s Health Week With A Free Cancer Screening!

Date of Release: May 11, 2012 For Further Information Please Call:

Emily Young, Public Health Educator

435-3280

Celebrate Women’s Health Week With A Free Cancer Screening!

The week of May 13^th– 19^th is National Women’s Health Week. National Women’s Health Week is a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health. This is a week for women to make their health a top priority in their life. The theme for 2012’s Women’s Health Week is “It’s your time.” Too often in their busy lives, women place their health and

well-being as secondary, putting the needs of others before their own.

The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program Partnership would like to remind uninsured women between the ages of 40 and 64 that free breast exams, mammograms, and Pap tests are available by calling 435-3653. For uninsured women ages 50 to 64, an at-home colorectal cancer screening kit is also available. Routine screenings are an important step in lowering a woman’s risk of developing breast, cervical, or colorectal cancer in her lifetime and early detection has proven to save lives. As a community, it is our responsibility to support women and help them take steps towards a healthier life.

Women’s Health Week is an optimal time to remember that detection of breast and cervical cancers require routine screenings as women have a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime and each year approximately 12,000 women in the U.S. develop cervical cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and New York State. A woman’s chances of developing breast, cervical, or colorectal cancer can be increased by factors such as age, a personal or family history of these cancers, and a lack of routine screening.

Studies show that the uninsured are less likely to seek preventative medical care. During Women’s Health Week, the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program Partnership would like to encourage uninsured women of Onondaga County to put their health first and call 435-3653 to schedule their free breast exam, mammogram, Pap test, and colorectal cancer screening. Call today!

Complete Streets Workshop Held

Date of Release: March 6, 2012 For Further Information Please Call:

Kathy Mogle, MS

435-3280

Complete Streets Workshop Held

The Onondaga County Health Department’s Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work, and Play in Onondaga County Program (CHP) offered a workshop today to address how “Complete Streets” can enhance our community. Kathy Mogle, Program Coordinator for the Creating Healthy Places Program explained, “Complete Streets are roadways that are designed to be safe and accessible for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, transit riders, older adults, and persons with disabilities”. Mogle further detailed that this workshop encouraged municipalities to create Complete Street policies to ensure that transportation agencies routinely design roadways that are safe for all users. The CHP Program is working with municipalities to implement Complete Streets policies in Onondaga County.

This workshop addressed the benefits of Complete Streets including:

Complete streets make active living easy. In Onondaga County 28% of residents are obese. 21% report that they participate in no physical activity (CDC). By building roads that help support more walking and biking, communities may create opportunities for people to become more physically active.
Complete streets can improve safety for all road users. Research has shown that complete streets can reduce pedestrian injuries by as much as 28%. On-road bike lanes have been shown to reduce crashes by 50%.
Complete streets can improve accessibility. Having multiple, accessible transportation options allows everyone, including children, persons with disabilities, older adults, and people who cannot afford a car the opportunity to get out and stay connected to the community.
Complete streets can preserve resources for the next generation. Making it easier to use other means (besides automobiles) to get to our destinations may reduce air pollution and lower dependence on gasoline.
Complete streets can help economic development. A network of complete streets is more safe and appealing to residents and visitors, which is optimal for retail and commercial development. Making retail areas only accessible to cars can restrict business.
Complete streets can reduce traffic costs. Incorporating the needs of all forms of transportation into roadway planning can reduce automobile traffic and the costs of road repair and maintenance.

Each complete street is different. A complete street in a rural area may look different than one in an urban area. Some things that may be found on a complete street include sidewalks, bike lanes (or paved shoulder), bus lanes, accessible transit stops, frequent crossing opportunities, median islands, pedestrian signals, and curb extensions.

For more information about Complete Streets call the Onondaga County Health Department’s Creating Healthy Places Program at 435-3280 or visit www.completestreets.org.

Downtown Syracuse Goes Blue for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Date of Release: February 29, 2012 For Further Information Please Call:

Jenny Dickinson, Coordinator

435-3280

Downtown Syracuse Goes Blue for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Starting March 1, Downtown Syracuse landmarks will be lighting up blue as part of the Main Streets Go Blue campaign to recognize Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Main Streets Go Blue is a statewide campaign encouraging local landmarks and businesses to join together and show their support for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by lighting up blue or displaying colorectal cancer awareness themed messages. In Syracuse, Crouse Hospital, National Grid, Key Bank, and the Crowne Plaza Hotel will be lighting up blue to raise awareness for colorectal cancer. The Onondaga County War Memorial marquee will also be displaying a colorectal cancer awareness themed message.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S., but it doesn’t have to be. Colorectal cancer usually begins in the form of a polyp in the colon or rectum. A polyp is a non-cancerous tissue growth that can develop into cancer over time. Screening tests can help find polyps and colorectal cancer early, which greatly improves treatment outcomes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that when colorectal cancer is found early and treated, the 5-year relative survival rate is 90%. Colorectal cancer is more likely to occur as people age so all men and women 50 years and older should be screened for colorectal cancer. There are often no symptoms during the early stages of colorectal cancer, therefore routine colorectal screening is extremely important.

According to a recent federal study, less than 25% of adults 50 years and older who do not have health insurance are up-to-date with colorectal cancer screening as compared to 59% of adults who do have health insurance. The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) Partnership offers free colorectal screening for men and women 50 years and older who do not have health insurance. Men and women are encouraged to call 435-3653 today to see if they qualify for a free colorectal cancer screening.

For more information on free cancer screenings and colorectal cancer, find us on Facebook or visit our website at /health/cancerscreening.html.