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.

PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT: Spike in Overdoses in Onondaga County

March 31, 2023 | Onondaga County, NY —  The Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) reports that approximately 40 suspected overdoses occurred in about a 48-hour period between March 29 and March 31, 2023. The warning comes after reports in the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP) show a concentration in the North and West sides of the city of Syracuse, with sporadic events in the Liverpool and Brewerton areas. Reports link some occurrences to drugs sold in wax bags with a blue teddy bear stamped on them.

The OCHD reminds those who use substances to test their drugs using fentanyl testing strips (FTS). By testing with a FTS, the person using drugs can make an informed choice about their use, by potentially choosing to use a different batch, use less of the current batch, use in the presence of others, and make sure naloxone is on hand. Although the strips do not identify the exact amount of fentanyl present, testing can provide enough time, space, and information for a user to consider the options.

If you or someone you know needs fentanyl test strips or naloxone, call or text OCHD’s confidential Narcan and Test Strip Request Line at 315-418-5365. Learn more about opioids and overdose prevention here.

Going forward, OCHD will be providing Public Health Alerts when there is a spike in overdoses where specific information is available to help prevent these occurrences.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Begins at Age 45: Free Screening Tests Available

ONONDAGA COUNTY, MARCH 1, 2023 – March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, and close to 52,000 people die every year. National and New York State data show that 9 out of 10 of new colorectal cancer cases happen in adults aged 45 and older. The US Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society recommend that colorectal cancer screenings begin at age 45. People at higher risk may need to begin screening before age 45.   

All people 45 and older should be screened for colon cancer. The FIT (fecal immunochemical test) Kit is an at-home stool testing kit which looks for blood in a person’s stool. A colonoscopy is a test which allows your doctor to view the inside of the entire colon to find and remove polyps in the colon or rectum. Other testing methods are available, talk to your doctor to determine which test is right for you and how often you should be screened.  

 Early detection saves lives. Colorectal cancer usually starts from precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum, which can develop into cancer over time. Sometimes polyps will bleed and a person may notice blood in their stool. Other symptoms of colorectal cancer may include abdominal pain or bloating that doesn’t go away or unexplained weight loss. But, it is important to remember that colorectal cancer does not always cause symptoms at first. This is why having screening tests for colorectal cancer on a regular basis is important to find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best. Colorectal cancer can be PREVENTED with regular screening and the removal of pre-cancerous polyps in the colon and/or rectum. 

Free colorectal cancer screening tests are available. The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) offers free tests for people age 45 and older who do not have health insurance. Take home fecal tests, such as FIT Kit are an easy and effective way to get screened. If the FIT test comes back abnormal, follow-up with a colonoscopy will be scheduled. Any follow-up procedures, including colonoscopies, will be covered at no cost to the patient. If diagnosed with colorectal cancer, CSP staff will assist with the Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program (MCTP) application process. Services are available at many healthcare provider sites throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County.  Call 315-435-3653 or visit the CSP website at ongov.net/health/cancerscreening.html to register for your free screening test.  

Remember, if you are over 45 years old and do NOT have health insurance, call 315-435-3653 to see if you qualify for free colorectal cancer screening. Early detection of colorectal cancer saves lives. Take care of yourself and schedule your appointment today!  

Onondaga County Health Department Releases 2022-2024 Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan

ONONDAGA COUNTY, FEBRUARY 3, 2023 – The Onondaga County Health Department is pleased to announce the publication of the 2022-2024 Onondaga County Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan. The Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan provides an overview of demographic and health indicator data, determinants of health, current health challenges, existing community assets and resources, and the impact of COVID-19 on Onondaga County residents. The document also outlines a collaborative plan for addressing community health priorities. The 2022-2024 priority areas are: 1) Promote Healthy Women, Infants, and Children and 2) Promote Well-Being and Prevent Mental and Substance Use Disorders. 

The Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan was developed by the Onondaga County Health Department in partnership with Crouse Health, St. Joseph’s Health, and Upstate University Hospital. The document was also informed by the Central New York Healthcare Equity Task Force and an extensive community engagement process that obtained direct feedback from over 3,600 county residents on health related issues.

“The Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan helps us understand the health needs and assets of our community and is an important guide for numerous agencies dedicated to promoting health equity and addressing disparities in health access and outcomes” said Dr. Kathryn Anderson, Onondaga County Health Commissioner. Dr. Anderson continued, “With the support of local hospitals, community agencies, and residents, this collaborative effort was made possible.”  

The 2022-2024 Onondaga County Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan is available on the Onondaga County Health Department website at: https://www.ongov.net/health/documents/OnondagaCountyCHA-CHIP.pdf  

Tobacco-Free CNY and Statewide Partners Call Attention to the Tobacco Industry’s Practice of Marketing Menthol-Flavored Tobacco Products to the LGBTQIA+ Community

CENTRAL NEW YORK, JANUARY 23, 2023 – Tobacco-Free CNY and statewide partners are launching a new campaign, which puts the spotlight on the tobacco industry’s aggressive marketing tactics and promotion of menthol-flavored tobacco products to the LGBTQIA+ community. By introducing the third phase of its statewide “It’s Not Just” campaign, Tobacco-Free CNY aims to educate people about the tobacco industry’s history of injustice towards the LGBTQIA+ community and end the misconception that menthol is just a flavor – menthol is a manipulative way for Big Tobacco to target, attract, and addict LGBTQIA+ individuals.

For decades, the tobacco industry has used deceptive tactics to infiltrate the LGBTQIA+ community such as advertising in gay publications; sponsoring Pride events, street fairs, and film festivals; and funding HIV/AIDS service organizations.[i][ii] While Big Tobacco may have appeared as an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, their presence is not about support – it’s about aggressively marketing menthol tobacco products. These strategies were first uncovered through an internal marketing plan titled “Project SCUM (Subculture Urban Marketing),” which was intended to boost cigarette sales to the gay community and homeless individuals.[iii] As a result of this deceptive targeting, LGBT adults spend more than $2.6 billion on cigarettes each year and smoke at 2.5 times the rate of their non-LGBT peers.[iv]

Menthol-flavored tobacco products make smoking more palatable by providing a cooling sensation in the mouth and throat. The minty flavors of menthol mask the harshness of tobacco and trigger the smoker to inhale deeper, increasing the risk of nicotine addiction. Karyn Johnson, Program Coordinator for Tobacco-Free CNY, states “The tobacco industry is aware that menthol makes smoking easier to start and harder to quit. The tobacco industry uses menthol-flavored tobacco products as a manipulative way to attract and addict smokers in the LGBTQIA+ community – approximately 36% of LGBT smokers report smoking menthol cigarettes compared to 29% of non-LGBT smokers. Menthol is not just a flavor, it’s an injustice to the LGBTQIA+ community.”

“The LGBTQIA+ community has a long history of fighting for justice and equality, and unfortunately the tobacco industry recognized how the fierceness of our community could make a profit,” said Gabe Glissmeyer, Project Specialist with the National LGBT Cancer Network. “For decades, the targeted marketing of menthol-flavored tobacco products, combined with the experiences of homophobia and transphobia and a lack of access to health resources, has continued to make this a social justice issue.”

The “It’s Not Just” campaign first launched in May 2021 and draws attention to the communities that are disproportionately impacted by Big Tobacco’s manipulative marketing of menthol-flavored tobacco products. The first two waves of the campaign focused on the industry’s impact on African Americans and youth. Individuals can learn more about how to stand with these communities in their fight against the injustice of menthol-flavored tobacco products at the campaign’s website, NotJustMenthol.org.

For New York State residents who wish to overcome tobacco use, the New York State Smokers’ Quitline is a free program that offers individualized coaching, assistance with quit planning, and text and chat support. Adults 18 years of age and older may also qualify for free nicotine patches or gum. Visit nysmokefree.com or call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) for more information.

The Tobacco-Free CNY program supports Central New York residents who want to live healthy, tobacco-free lives. The program assists community partners with the creation and implementation of tobacco-free policies and serves Onondaga, Oswego, and Cayuga counties. For more information about the Tobacco-Free CNY program, please visit our website at www.tobaccofreecny.org or call (315) 435-3280.

LGB/LGBT/LGBT+/LGBTQ+/LGBTQIA+ are all acronyms for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and asexual or allied. In NYS, we prefer the acronym LGBTQIA+ as the most inclusive way to acknowledge and respect the diversity of bodies, genders, and relationships. The majority of sources cited here use the same or similar inclusive acronyms; for specific usages, refer to individual sources linked here.

[i] “LGBT History Month: Why Are Smoking Rates Higher in LGBT Communities?” Truth Initiative, 2016.
[ii] “Tobacco Use in LGBT Communities.” Truth Initiative, 2021.
[iii] “How Big Tobacco Is Exploiting the LGBTQ+ Community.” Capital District Tobacco-Free Communities, 2021.
[iv] “Big Tobacco Targets the LGBTQ+ Community.” Cancer Action Network, April 27, 2022. 

Onondaga County Health Department Warns the Public About Alarming Increase in Opioid Overdoses

ONONDAGA COUNTY, JANUARY 12, 2023 – The Onondaga County Health Department has been made aware of a rapid increase in opioid-related overdoses in the city of Syracuse and surrounding areas. In the last 24 hours, approximately 25 overdoses have been reported in the ODMAP overdose tracking system. Initial information is showing a possible link to fentanyl-laced Spike/Spice, an illegal synthetic drug. Other substances that can potentially be laced with fentanyl include cocaine, Molly, MDMA, and other illicit drugs.

Fentanyl is 50-100 times stronger than heroin and has contributed to an increase in opioid overdose deaths in recent years. Fentanyl is undetectable in substances without testing. 

Onondaga County Commissioner of Health Dr. Kathryn Anderson urges, “While overdoses are on the rise in Onondaga County, we can decrease the risk of fatal overdoses if members of the public learn the signs of overdose, call 911 immediately if someone is unresponsive, and if more people carry the overdose reversal drug naloxone (Narcan).”

In a situation where someone is unresponsive, it is recommended to: 

  1. Call 911. 
  2. Administer a first dose of naloxone. 
  3. Perform rescue breathing (or CPR if you are trained). It may help restart the lungs even if the person doesn’t wake up. 
  4. Repeat step 2 and 3 if the person remains unresponsive. 
  5. If a person does not wake-up after using multiple doses of naloxone, continue rescue breathing or CPR until emergency services arrive. 
  6. If the person starts breathing again but is still sedated, they don’t need more naloxone. Put them on their side and monitor them until emergency services arrive.

Being trained to reverse overdoses is an easy way to potentially save a life. The Onondaga County Health Department provides free in-person or virtual training and also has an on-demand option that can be accessed at ongov.net/health/opioids/NaloxoneTraining.html.

Please contact the Mental Health and Substance Use Initiatives Program at naloxonetraining@ongov.net with any training requests or questions. If you or someone you know needs fentanyl test strips or naloxone, they can be requested by calling or texting the Health Department’s confidential Narcan and Test Strip request line at 315-418-5365.

Opioid death data updates are posted to the Onondaga County Health Department website within the first month of each new quarter. Please note that due to the number of pending cases that remain at the end of a quarter, data are reported with a one-quarter lag in order to give a more accurate reflection of what is happening in the community. The fourth quarter deaths and sum of 2022 will be reported in mid-April.