Mosquitoes Found Positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus

Onondaga County Health Department was notified by the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory that mosquitoes from a trap located on Route 298 in the Cicero Swamp area in the town of Cicero have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV). EEEV is one of a number of viruses that can be spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, so it is extremely important to use personal protection measures to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.

 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
Even though the mosquito counts in our county remain extremely low, this first positive finding of EEEV in mosquitoes serves as a reminder for all residents that this virus is present and to be consistent in protecting yourself and your family from mosquito bites no matter where you live.

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. The use of insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and other products that have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also recommended. 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. 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.

It is also important to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by removing mosquito breeding grounds:

  • 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 www.ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html or contact the Onondaga County Health Department’s Division of Environmental Health at 315. 435.1649.

First Case of Monkeypox in Onondaga County

The Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) announced today that an Onondaga County resident has tested positive for the monkeypox virus. OCHD received the laboratory report of the positive finding on the evening of August 9, 2022. The patient has been in isolation and does not pose a risk to the public. OCHD Bureau of Disease Control has finished conducting contact tracing and all known contacts have been notified.

Monkeypox is a viral infection that does not usually cause serious illness but may result in hospitalization or death. Monkeypox spreads through close physical contact between people. While anyone can get monkeypox, at this time, certain populations are being affected more than others, including men who have sex with men. Take steps to prevent getting monkeypox with these tips: https://bit.ly/3PNzbwl. 

The incubation period for monkeypox is 3-17 days. During this time, a person may have no symptoms. A rash will develop that can be located on or near the genitals or other areas of the body such as hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth. Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms before the rash. Some people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash. The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters, may be painful or itchy, and is often confused with chickenpox. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. 

Other symptoms of monkeypox can include:
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Exhaustion
  • Muscle aches and backache
  • Headache
  • Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
You may experience all or only a few symptoms.

Anyone who has close skin-to-skin contact with someone who has monkeypox can get the illness. If you develop a new, unexplained rash on any part of the body, contact your primary care provider immediately and avoid contact with others.

OCHD is working closely with NYSDOH and held its first monkeypox vaccine clinic for those at high risk on Wednesday, August 10. Future clinics will be announced as OCHD receives additional vaccine. Vaccine supply from the federal government is currently limited, and eligibility is expected to expand as supply increases.

To protect patient privacy, no other information about this individual will be released at this time.  

Onondaga County Health Department to Hold Monkeypox Vaccine Clinic

The Onondaga County Health Department will be holding a monkeypox vaccination clinic for those in our community who are at high risk of contracting the disease. The Health Department has received a total of 600 doses of the monkeypox vaccine from the New York State Department of Health which includes 300 first and 300 second doses.

Clinic Details and Registration
The clinic will be Wednesday, August 10, 2022, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm in downtown Syracuse in the Oncenter Complex. At this time, the following individuals will be eligible to schedule an appointment:

  • Gay or bisexual males, men who have sex with men, and/or transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender non-binary AND,
  • Age 18 or older AND,
  • Have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days.

Those who meet the above eligibility requirements may register for an appointment at monkeypox.ongov.net/vaccine/screening-form/.

Those receiving a vaccine will require a second dose, which will be given on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at the same time slot as the first dose. Vaccination is not recommended for people who have been diagnosed with monkeypox. These individuals are NOT eligible to make an appointment.

Learn More
Take steps to prevent getting monkeypox with these tips: https://bit.ly/3PNzbwl. Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a rash. A rash can look like a blister, pus-filled bump, open sore, or widespread small hard bumps on the body.

If you think you may have been exposed and are experiencing symptoms, please contact your primary care provider and notify them immediately. You can learn more by texting “MONKEYPOX” to 81336 or visiting https://on.ny.gov/3RYgHuP.

Mosquitoes Found Positive for West Nile Virus

The Onondaga County Health Department was notified by the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory today that a mosquito pool from a trap located at Taft Road in the town of Cicero has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). This first positive finding of WNV in mosquitoes this year in Onondaga County serves as a reminder for all residents that the virus is present and to be consistent in protecting yourself and your family from mosquito bites.

West Nile Virus
West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who are infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. One in five people with mild cases may develop fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, or rash. People with severe illness usually have a high fever, sudden headache, neck stiffness, altered mental status, and inflammation of the brain or membrane of the spinal cord (encephalitis or meningitis). People at greatest risk of developing severe disease are those over 60 years of age and people with certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, or who have received organ transplants.

Prevent Mosquito Bites
While mosquito counts in Central New York currently are extremely low, it is always important to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites. 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 www.ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html or contact the Onondaga County Health Department’s Division of Environmental Health at 315. 435.1649.

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

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-Friday, 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.

Rise in Opioid Overdoses in Onondaga County

Over the last few years, Onondaga County, like much of New York State, has seen a dramatic increase in opioid overdose fatalities, including 156 and 186 deaths in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Factors such as the proliferation of illicit fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, as well as their combination with methamphetamines, and cocaine, have driven this worsening crisis.

Through the Onondaga County Health Department ODMAP overdose tracking system, there has been notification of several significant spikes in overdose activity over the past two months. These reports have indicated 14 or more overdoses occurring in a 24-hour period, occurring as recently as two days ago. This appears to be linked to increased amounts of fentanyl in the drug supply. Fentanyl is up to 50 times more potent than heroin and, due to its low price, it is often used to lace other drugs, which makes it especially dangerous. By mid-2021, synthetic opioids like fentanyl were involved in an estimated 87 percent of opioid deaths and 65 percent of all drug overdose deaths in the US. Locally, over 90% of opioid fatalities in 2020 and 2021 involved fentanyl. While the unique circumstances of the past two years have undoubtedly disrupted outreach and treatment programs while increasing levels of social isolation, the most significant problem is the availability and potency of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

There have been reports both locally and throughout the United States of the mass production and false marketing of fake pills as legitimate prescription pills to deceive the public. Counterfeit pills are easy to purchase, widely available, often contain fentanyl or methamphetamine, and can be deadly, resulting in overdose occurrences. Many fake pills are made to look like familiar prescription pills such as oxycodone (Oxycontin®, Percocet®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), alprazolam (Xanax®), and amphetamines (Adderall®).

The mixing of synthetic opioids in stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamines can be especially dangerous. Oftentimes users are unaware they are consuming fentanyl, making them more likely to have an adverse reaction than those who intentionally sought out the opioid. Cocaine (and similar stimulants) and fentanyl (and similar opioids) exert different effects on the brain and can cause serious health effects. These effects may include a rapid change in heart rate and respiration rate that can cause arrhythmias, heart failure,  stroke, or respiratory failure. For example, fatal slowing of breathing can occur when the stimulant wears off and the full effects of fentanyl are felt. When combined, it’s difficult to determine when too much of either substance has been taken. This lack of awareness can increase the chances of a fatal overdose.

“A single life lost to an overdose is a life that could have been saved. Stressors increased by the COVID-19 pandemic like loss of housing and loss of employment for those in recovery has led to a backslide in our community’s fight against the epidemic,” said County Executive Ryan McMahon. “As such, as a community, we are redoubling our efforts to save lives and create supports that help people stay safe and achieve recovery.”

In light of the increase in overdose occurrences, community members are urged to get trained to utilize naloxone, also known as Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal medication that is available as a nasal spray. Being trained to use naloxone 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 here. Please contact the Mental Health and Substance Use Initiatives Program at: naloxonetraining@ongov.net with any training requests or questions.

Another valuable tool during this crisis is the usage of fentanyl testing strips (FTS). FTS are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in any drug batch—pills, powder, or injectables. By testing with a FTS, the person using drugs is able to make an informed choice about their use, with potentially choosing to use a different batch, use less of the current batch, use in the presence of others, or 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. This alone can support a greater sense of empowerment over one’s health, thereby prompting safer behaviors and practices. If you or someone you know needs fentanyl test strips, they can be requested by calling or texting the Health Department’s confidential Narcan and Test Strip request line at 315-418-5365.

Mental Health and Substance Use Initiatives Program Coordinator Mariah Senecal-Reilly stated that “More people are dying of opioid overdoses in Onondaga County than ever before, and each of these deaths has a ripple effect on our community. By deploying harm reduction strategies and expanding recovery services we can save countless lives. Drug dependency is not a choice—it’s a disorder and should be treated as such.”

You are encouraged to check in and connect with your loved ones who are experiencing a substance use disorder or who may be at risk of developing a substance use disorder. It is important to monitor friends and family members for signs and symptoms of substance use disorders and help to connect them with needed supports within our community. You can learn what to look for at: https://www.health.ny.gov/community/opioid_epidemic/signs.htm and locate treatment resources at: https://ongov.net/health/opioids/treatment.html.

Oneida Shores Beach Closed for Swimming

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.

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

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-Friday, 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.

 

National Mosquito Control Awareness Week

Protect Yourself from Diseases Caused by Mosquitoes

SYRACUSE, NY:  This week is National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, a good reminder to protect yourself and your family from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes now and throughout the fall season.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta explains, “We have seen a high number of mosquitoes due to the wet and warm weather we’ve experienced, so it is extremely important to use personal protection measures to prevent mosquito bites that may transmit West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV).”

The Health Department’s annual mosquito surveillance and control program is in full swing for this season, which is from late May through early October each year. This program collects mosquitoes using traps located at 22 sites throughout the county. The mosquitoes are then counted, sorted by species, and submitted to Wadsworth Laboratory where they are tested for viruses including WNV and EEEV and the results are reported each week on our website. The program also uses larvicides (an insecticide) to control mosquito breeding in standing bodies of water at over 1,000 sites throughout the county.

While mosquito counts have been higher than usual, lab results show that no virus has been detected so far this season. The decision to spray is based on several factors, and the decision is made with assistance from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). While mosquitoes can be a nuisance, the Health Department does not spray for comfort. Spraying will only occur if virus is present or if the number of mosquitoes and conditions are present which would indicate a public health threat.

Personal Protection Measures
The Health Department reminds residents that there are steps everyone should take to protect themselves from mosquito bites during outdoor activities:

  • Wear shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck in your shirt and tuck pant legs into boots or socks.
  • Consider using insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and other products that have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 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.
  • Insect repellents should be applied only to intact skin or over clothing, and need to be reapplied regularly. 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 not be used on babies younger than 2 months old.
  • Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Permethrin can be used to treat clothing and camping gear and remain protective through several washings. Alternatively, you can buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home
It is also important to mosquito-proof your home by replacing or repairing broken screens and getting rid of standing water where mosquitoes breed. Keep your property free of standing water by cleaning clogged rain gutters; turning over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use; changing water in birdbaths every four days; properly maintaining swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs; draining water from pool covers; and, using landscaping to eliminate low spots where standing water accumulates.

Signs and Symptoms of WNV and EEE
Most people who are infected with WNV or EEE do not develop any signs or symptoms. However, both WNV and EEE are potentially serious illnesses. Signs and symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, confusion, tremors (shaking), convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, irritability, drowsiness, numbness, paralysis, vomiting, diarrhea, and coma. Consult your healthcare provider if you have been bitten by a mosquito and develop any of these signs and symptoms.

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

Onondaga County Health Department
ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html

New York State Department of Health
www.health.ny.gov/diseases/west_nile_virus/ 

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

Reality Check Program Host FREE Smoke-Free Movie Event on June 17

On Friday, June 17, the Reality Check program of Onondaga, Cayuga, and Oswego Counties is hosting a FREE smoke-free movie event showing “Angry Birds” at the Palace Theatre in Syracuse, NY. This event is in conjunction with Reality Check’s smoke-free media initiative to de-normalize and de-glamorize tobacco use and imagery on screen. Reality Check is using their collective voice to illuminate the entertainment industry’s best-kept secret: smoking on screen kills in real life. This event will be held Friday, June 17th at 6:00 pm at the Palace Theatre, located at 2384 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13206.

Doors will open at 5:00 pm and the first 100 people in attendance will receive a free popcorn and drink combo. Reality Check youth will be collecting signatures of support before and after the movie urging the Motion Picture Association to rate youth movies that show tobacco and e-cigarette imagery “R.” There will also be educational resources, tobacco jeopardy, and prizes including a raffle from Tobacco-Free CNY and Reality Check programs.

Tobacco on screen is the single biggest media risk to children and teens. Hollywood has known of the danger for decades. Unfortunately, movie studios and TV producers have never updated their rating systems to mention smoking or tobacco. Right now, there is no practical way for parents to know in advance if a movie or TV program includes tobacco content. The film industry has refused to modernize its R-rating based on the conclusive scientific evidence that exposure to on-screen smoking causes kids to smoke.

The Motion Picture Association (MPA), the studios’ organization that assigns ratings, provides a “smoking label” along with the regular rating for some movies that contain smoking. However, almost 9 of every 10 (87%) youth-rated, top-grossing movies with smoking do not carry an MPA “smoking label”. Research has proven that an R rating for movie smoking could substantially reduce adolescent smoking by eliminating smoking from PG-13 movies.

Reality Check is part of Tobacco-Free CNY and works to engage local stakeholders, educate community leaders and the public, and mobilize community members and organizations to strengthen tobacco and e-cigarette policies that prevent and reduce tobacco and e-cigarette use.  Efforts also focus on reducing youth exposure to harmful tobacco and e-cigarette marketing in retail settings, limiting exposure to secondhand smoke, and reducing smoking imagery in the media. For more information about Reality Check and Tobacco-Free CNY programs, contact 315-435-3280.