Feral Cat Tests Positive for Rabies

******* FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *******

 

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow, announced today that the New York State Health Department laboratory has reported that a feral cat, found in the Town of Clay, has tested positive for rabies. The adult black cat had been living in the area along Jackson Road. Any person who believes that they had physical contact with the cat should contact their physician to determine if they need to receive rabies vaccine. This is the first finding of rabies in a cat since August 2010.

Dr. Morrow stresses that it is important not to touch or feed unknown or feral cats because they interact with wildlife and have the potential to be rabid. If you have a feral cat on your property and want to have it removed, contact a professional animal removal service.

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 steps to help prevent rabies:
„X Teach children to stay away from unfamiliar animals, either wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
„X Wash any wound from an animal thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
„X 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.
„X 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.  They also need to get a booster shot at one year old and again every three years.   Ferrets must get a shot every year. For a full schedule of upcoming 2012 rabies clinics, visit www.ongov.net/health or call 435-3165.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Date of Release: January 3, 2012                     For Further Information Please Call:
                                                                                                Emily Young
                                                                                                Public Health Educator
                                                                                                435-3280
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
 
The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) offers free Pap tests for women ages 40 and older who do not have health insurance. Some women may believe they do not need regular Pap tests if they are finished having children or are no longer sexually active. However, it is important for women between the ages of 30 and 65 to have regular Pap tests.
Early detection is the key to preventing cervical cancer. A woman’s chance of developing cervical cancer can be increased by certain factors such as smoking, having many sexual partners, or having a weakened immune system. There are often no symptoms during the early stages of cervical cancer, making routine Pap tests extremely important.
The CSP also provides free breast exams and mammograms for women 40 years and older who do not have health insurance. In addition, free colorectal cancer screening is available for women and men ages 50 and older 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 make your appointment!

National Influenza Awareness Week is Being Observed December 4th – 10th!

Date of Release:                                                For Further Information Please Call:
December 5, 2011                                                                  Kathy Mogle, MS Program Coordinator
                                                                                                435-3280
National Influenza Awareness Week is Being Observed December 4th – 10th!
 
The Onondaga County Health Department encourages anyone who has not yet received a flu vaccine to get one. Did you know that while the flu can make anyone sick, people with long-term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes (type 1 and 2) and heart disease are at greater risk for serious complications from the flu?  Serious flu complications can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. The good news is that you can take a simple step to protect yourself and your family from the flu by getting the flu vaccine each year.   The Onondaga County Health Department has flu vaccine available. For more information on where to get a flu vaccine call the Health Department at 435-2000.
It is important to know that flu vaccines (both the shot and the nasal spray) have excellent safety records and are constantly being monitored. The most common side effects reported after flu vaccination are minor and are outweighed by the vaccine’s benefits. Millions of flu vaccines have been given safely over the years and vaccine safety remains a priority every year.
The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. Why? Because the flu shot contains killed viruses and the nasal spray has weakened viruses that cannot cause illness. If you get flu-like symptoms soon after getting vaccinated, it can mean you may have been exposed to the flu before getting vaccinated or during the two-week period it takes the body to gain protection after vaccination. It might also mean you are sick with another illness that causes symptoms similar to the flu.
Some people may think that because they received the flu vaccine last season, they don’t need another one this year. Even though the vaccine composition is still the same this year, everyone needs to get vaccinated with this season’s vaccine because immunity from last season’s vaccine will have declined.
The flu can be especially serious for babies, children, pregnant women, people 65 and older and people with certain long-term medical conditions.  Also, African Americans (who disproportionally suffer from chronic illnesses) are at increased risk of flu complications when they also have a chronic illness.  Unfortunately many African Americans are not getting an annual flu vaccine, leaving them at greater risk for flu and its complications. In New York State, only approximately 42% of eligible African Americans receive an annual flu vaccine.
If you have not had your flu vaccine yet, it is not too late… Get your vaccine during National Influenza Awareness Week.

Farmer’s and Vendor’s Donate Fresh Produce and Food Items to a Local Food Pantry

The Onondaga County Health Department’s Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work, and Play in Onondaga County Initiative  in partnership with the Central New York Regional Market Authority, the Food Bank of Central New York, and the Assumption Food Pantry at the Church of the Assumption have been working together since August to create a gleaning program (a food donation program). The gleaning program accepts produce donations (and other food products) directly from farmers who sell their produce at the CNY Regional Farmers Market. The donations are collected and distributed to the Assumption Food Pantry at the Church of the Assumption.
Kathy Mogle, Program Coordinator with the Onondaga County Health Department, explained “The gleaning program has been a tremendous success due to the collaboration of our partners and the generosity of over 25 farmers and vendors who donated produce. I would like to commend and thank each participant for their contributions”.
The overall goal of the gleaning program is to ensure that everyone has access to produce, regardless of where they live or their income level. Research suggests that eating fresh fruits and vegetables every day is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Research continues to show that many essential nutrients in fresh produce may protect you from cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes. A healthful diet can also give you more energy, help reduce weight gain, and may even reduce the effects of aging.
Ben Vitale, Director of the Central New York Regional Market Authority, was pleased to help support and provide his expertise for this program. “I am extremely grateful that our vendors were so generous in their donations. This entire gleaning program was a huge success and produce donations consistently increased each week.”   Vitale estimated that 200 bushels of summer produce has been donated during the past twelve weeks.    Brother Nicholas Spano from the Assumption Food Pantry estimated that over 400 people consumed fresh produce as a direct result of this program and explained that it was rewarding to be a part of this project. Fresh produce was distributed to patrons to enjoy right away and some of the produce was frozen so that patrons could benefit throughout the upcoming seasons as well.
Ms. Mogle acknowledged the volunteers from the Health Department, the Franciscan Church of Assumption Food Pantry, and from the community who also participated in this event. The following farmers/vendors received certificates of appreciation for their contribution to the gleaning program:
Ben Vitale, Director of the Central New York Regional Farmers Market
Brother Nicholas Spano, Assumption Church Food Pantry
Ada’s Pastries                                                                                           Joe Nagari, Little Joe’s Gourmet Vegetables
Aguilera (Poncho)                                                                                  Krupka Farm
B & B Farms                                                                                               Lagoner Farms
Baldwinsville Farms                                                                                              Martins Pretzels
Barbagallo’s Farms                                                                                 Mueller Farms
Belle Terre Farms                                                                                   Paul Barbagallo
Bradtke Farms                                                                                          Pompey Gold Vineyards
Bradtke Greenhouse                                                                             Schader Family Farm
Buttercup Cheese                                                                                   Slater Farm
CA Farms                                                                                                    Wake Robin Farms
Daily Harvest Farm                                                                                   Wayside Farms
Darling Farms                                                                                           Wilcox Farms
Jack Edgerton                                                                                           Zellias Farms
For more information about the gleaning program, please contact Creating Healthy Places to Eat, Work, and Play in Onondaga County at 435-3280 or online at www.ongov.net/health/CreatingHealthyPlaces.

Tim’s Pumpkin Patch Donates Produce to Local Food Pantry

Tim’s Pumpkin Patch Donates Produce to Local Food Pantry
 
Tim and Erica Leubner, owners of Tim’s Pumpkin Patch in Marietta, recently learned about a local gleaning program (produce donation program) that the Onondaga County Health Department’s Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work, and Play in Onondaga County, the Central New York Regional Market Authority, and the Assumption Food Pantry have been working on and they wanted to become a part of it! Erica Leubner explained, “We have harvested a variety of squash this season and decided we would like to share it.   We are pleased to be donating a variety of winter squash to people who will enjoy it and who may not have access or be able to afford it. It is our way of giving during the Thanksgiving season.”
 
Brother Nicholas Spano from the Assumption Church Food Pantry and his team of volunteers were happy to make the trip to Marietta and collect the produce donation. Brother Nicholas explained, “We feed hundreds of people each day, and to be able to provide fresh and locally grown produce is both wonderful and healthy. I am so grateful, and I am sure the recipients will be too, to the Leubner’s for their generous donation.”
 
Kathy Mogle from the Onondaga County Health Department explained the importance of consuming fresh vegetables and fruits daily. “Research suggests that eating fresh fruits and vegetables every day is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Research continues to show that many essential nutrients in fresh produce may protect you from cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes. A healthful diet can also give you more energy, help reduce weight gain, and may even reduce the effects of aging”.
For more information about the gleaning program, please contact Creating Healthy Places to Eat, Work, and Play in Onondaga County at 435-3280 or online at www.ongov.net/health/CreatingHealthyPlaces.

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 23–29, 2011

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 23–29, 2011
Nearly a quarter of a million children living in the United States have blood lead levels high enough to cause significant damage to their health, estimates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), based on a 2003–2004 national survey. Major sources of lead exposure among U.S. children include lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust found in deteriorating buildings. The good news is lead poisoning is entirely preventable.
To increase the awareness of childhood lead poisoning prevention, the Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD), the CDC, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, are participating in “National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week” (NLPPW) from October 23–29th, 2011.   This year’s NLPPW theme is “Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future,” and it underscores the importance of testing your home for lead, testing your child for lead, and learning how to prevent lead poisoning.
In observance of in National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, several Onondaga County organizations have events planned:
      Housing Vendor Fair
·         The OCHD Lead Program is collaborating with Tomorrow’s Neighborhoods Today (TNT) and the Gifford Foundation to offer a Safe and Healthy Housing Vendor Fair during the Syracuse Neighborhood Action Conference being held at LeMoyne College on Saturday, October 22, 2011. For more information on the conference, please call (315) 448-8100 or (315) 474-2489.
Grant Information
·         Is your home haunted…..by lead paint? Grants are available for residents of Syracuse and Onondaga County for home repairs. To learn more about these grant opportunities, visit us at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo Boo on Saturday, October 22, 2011 and Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., or call (315) 435-3271 for more information.
Education Program
·         Leo the Lead Lion will be visiting a location near you to teach ways to prevent lead poisoning! Watch for Leo on Wednesday, October 26th at  Nojaim Brothers Supermarket, 307Gifford Street, Syracuse, NY from 11 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Parents reduce your child’s exposure to lead by following these simple steps:
·         Call the OCHD Lead Program to see if you qualify for a free home lead inspection.
·         Before you buy an older home, ask for a lead inspection.
·         Get your child tested for lead. Have your child tested at age one and again at age two by your child’s health care provider. Even if your young children seem healthy, ask your health care provider to test them for lead.
·         Get the facts!The OCHD Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program can provide you with information about preventing childhood lead poisoning.
For more information, contact the Onondaga County Health Department Lead Program at (315) 435-3271or visit www.ongov.net/health/lead or www.cdc.gov … Working together to prevent childhood lead poisoning.

October 21st is National Mammography Day

When was your last mammogram? On October 21st celebrate National Mammography Day by scheduling your annual mammogram. Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer among women in the United States and the chance of a woman developing breast cancer in her lifetime is a little less than 1 in 8. Routine screening is essential for the early detection and 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 your first child after the age of 30. Breast cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages, however as it develops symptoms may include:
§        a lump or thickening in the breast
§        pain in the breast or the nipple
§        nipple discharge
§        dimpling of the breast skin
§        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 he/she to feel for any lumps or abnormalities. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast.
No health insurance? No problem! The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program Partnership (CSP) offers free breast exams, mammograms, and Pap tests for women age 40 years and older who do not have health insurance. In addition, the CSP offers free colorectal screening for men and women age 50 years and older 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 make your appointment!       

Liverpool Businesses Spread The Message: “Get A Mammogram”!

During October, “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” over 70 Liverpool area businesses are joining together to raise awareness about the availability of free mammograms for women who do not have health insurance. Liverpool businesses are sharing information with their patrons about the importance of getting routine mammograms and about free mammogram screening. Look around Liverpool this month and you will be reminded to get a mammogram!
This initiative is sponsored by the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) Partnership, and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The goal is to help ensure women get a life saving mammogram, especially women who do not have health insurance and thereby, are less likely to access regular screenings. Mammograms will be provided at all major mammography sites across Onondaga County, including mammography providers in Liverpool.
We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. Although, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, the good news is that when diagnosed in the early stages, breast cancer survival rates increase. Working together, communities in Onondaga County can make a difference by increasing awareness and encouraging screening for breast cancer.
For more information about this initiative or about obtaining a free mammogram, call the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program Partnership at 435-3653 or visit online at www.ongov.net/health.

More West Nile Virus in Onondaga County

More West Nile Virus in Onondaga County
Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow announced that late yesterday the New York State Department of Health’s laboratory reported additional evidence of West Nile virus in two mosquito pools collected on October 5 and October 7, 2011 from the Route 298 trap located in the Town of Cicero.
As a reminder, until Onondaga County has a hard frost throughout the area, it is important for the public  to continue to take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to also keep yards free from standing water to reduce the mosquito population.  For more information about personal protection measures contact the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 435-1649or visit: http:/ongov.net/health/mosquitoborne.html

The Onondaga County Health Department Announces the 2011 Public Flu and Pneumonia Vaccine Clinics

*10-5-11: Updated information from original release

The Onondaga County Health Department, in partnership with the University of Rochester Medical Center has scheduled eight (8) flu and pneumonia vaccine clinics throughout Onondaga County.  The clinics are scheduled from Monday, October 24 through Saturday, November 19, 2011.  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 all children 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.

For those 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 all children 6 months to 18 years old 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, 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.

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 further reinforces that it is particularly important for certain people to get a flu vaccine  because  they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with, or care for, people who are at high risk for developing flu-related complications.  These targeted groups include:

  • Pregnant women
  • Children younger than five, but especially children younger than 2 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:
    • Health care workers
    • Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
    • Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than six months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

The pneumococcal shot, sometimes called the pneumonia shot, is recommended for people over 65 years old and people 2 – 64 years old with health problems, or who are on a drug treatment that lowers the body’s ability to fight infection.  Anyone 19 – 64 years old who is a smoker or has asthma is also encouraged to get a pneumococcal vaccine.  Usually one shot is enough, but if you get your first dose before 65 years old, additional doses may be needed.  Talk to your health care provider to determine if you should get a pneumococcal vaccine.

Appointments for a flu or pneumonia vaccine are necessary and should be made in advance. Clinics are open to Onondaga County residents.  Payment accepted for the flu vaccine includes: Medicare Part B, Medicaid, cash, or check.  Most other major insurances can be billed.  Coverage will depend on your individual plan.  If you are not covered, you will be billed.  The cost for an adult flu shot or adult FluMist® is $30, the cost for a children’s flu shot or FluMist® is $15, and the cost for a pneumonia shot is $55.   No one will be turned away due to their inability to pay.

To schedule an appointment for a flu or pneumonia vaccine log onto www.onflu.net or call the flu hotline Monday – Friday between 9:00 am – 4: 00 pm at 435-5752.  Below please find a listing of all Onondaga County Health Department-sponsored 2011 flu and pneumonia vaccine clinics:

St. Joseph’s Church of Camillus
5600 West Genesee Street
Camillus, NY 13031
Monday, October 24, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
LaFayette Alliance Church
6069 Cherry Valley Turnpike (Route 20)
LaFayette, NY 13084
Thursday, October 27, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Solvay-Geddes Community Center
1010 Woods Road
Syracuse, NY 13209
Saturday, October 29, 9:00 am – 12:00 Noon
McChesney Recreation Center
2308 Grant Boulevard
Syracuse, NY 13208
Wednesday, November 2, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Eastern Hills Bible Church
8227 Manlius-Cazenovia Road (Route 92)
Manlius, NY 13104
Saturday, November 5, 9:00 am – 12:00 Noon
Erwin First United Methodist Church
920 Euclid Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13210
Wednesday, November 9, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Believers Chapel
7912 Thompson Road
Cicero, NY 13039
Saturday, November 12, 9:00 am –12:00 Noon
Tucker Missionary Baptist Church
515 Oakwood Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13205
Saturday, November 19, 9:00 am –12:00 Noon