Category Archives: Press Releases

Onondaga County Health Department Identifies New Cases of Mpox

ONONDAGA COUNTY, MAY 22, 2025 — The Onondaga County Health Department has identified several cases of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in our community. All individuals are recovering at home, and contact tracing is underway to help prevent further spread. Mpox is a rare but potentially serious illness caused by a virus similar to smallpox,… Read more >

Onondaga County Health Department Issues Health Alert Regarding Potential Increase in Ocular Syphilis Cases

ONONDAGA COUNTY, MAY 1, 2025 – The Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) is issuing a health alert to inform healthcare providers and the public about a potential increase in cases of ocular syphilis in Onondaga County. Ocular syphilis is an eye condition that can occur at any stage of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI)… Read more >

Eliminating Tobacco Waste on Earth Day

While progress has been made concerning secondhand smoke exposure and its impacts on air quality, tobacco use continues to threaten the environment. Cigarette butts are the most littered item around the world. Roughly 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are littered globally each year, equaling 766,570 metric tons. In addition, Americans throw out more than 5 disposable… Read more >

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

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, 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… Read more >

Local Onondaga County Reality Check Youth and Tobacco Control Representatives Take Tobacco Industry Fight to State Capitol

New Surgeon General’s Report highlights need for continued investment in tobacco control to reduce the appeal, availability and addictiveness of tobacco products  #SavesLivesSavesMoney  #TobaccoIsStillTakingLives  #TobaccoControlProgram Reality Check youth from Onondaga County traveled to the Legislative Office Building at the New York State Capitol on February 12, joining dozens of other youth from across the state… Read more >

Tobacco-Free Policies Offer Year-Round Protection and Benefits for the Community

TOBACCO-FREE CNY, JANUARY 6, 2025 – Tobacco-free policies offer many benefits to the community. These policies protect the public from the dangers of secondhand smoke, reduce the death and disease associated with smoking and secondhand smoke, protect the environment from tobacco waste, and promote a tobacco-free lifestyles. At this time of year, many people engage… Read more >

FREE Cervical Cancer Screening Tests; Reminder to Get Screened

ONONDAGA COUNTY, DECEMBER 31, 2024 – January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Unlike many cancers, cervical cancer can be prevented with the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and regular screening tests (Pap test and HPV test) and follow-up. Screening tests can find the cells that lead to cancer, and these cells can be removed before… Read more >

Onondaga County and City of Syracuse Announce Progress on Water Filter Distribution Effort and Upcoming Events

SYRACUSE, NY, NOVEMBER 27, 2024 – Onondaga County and the City of Syracuse are pleased to share an update on the successful launch of the water filter distribution program to households with pregnant women and children six and under routinely present. The program was implemented to address concerns about the potential presence of lead in… Read more >

Boil Water Order Lifted for Residents in the Village of Jordan, Village of Elbridge, and Parts of the Town of Elbridge

The Onondaga County Health Department has lifted the Boil Water Order for residents and businesses in the Village of Jordan, Village of Elbridge, and parts of the Town of Elbridge. Laboratory results from water sampling over the weekend have confirmed that it is safe to resume drinking tap water. For more information about the Boil… Read more >