Category Archives: Press Releases

Two Additional Human Cases of West Nile Virus in Onondaga County; Dead Bird Surveillance Partnership Helps Detect Virus Activity

ONONDAGA COUNTY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 – The Onondaga County Health Department has received reports of two additional human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in county residents. The first human case of the season was announced on July 16, 2025, bringing the total to three cases this year. These new cases highlight the ongoing risk… Read more >

Weather Favorable for Mosquito Spraying Planned for the Cicero Swamp

UPDATE: The aerial spraying of Cicero Swamp and the immediate surrounding areas was completed as planned. _________________________________________________ ONONDAGA COUNTY, AUGUST 4, 2025 – Current weather conditions are suitable for this evening’s aerial mosquito spraying of the Cicero Swamp and the immediate surrounding areas, provided there is no sudden drop in visibility due to wildfire smoke.… Read more >

Additional Mosquito Pools Found Positive for EEEV and WNV, Spraying of Cicero Swamp Planned

ONONDAGA COUNTY, AUGUST 1, 2025 – The Onondaga County Health Department was notified that additional mosquitoes collected from traps located in the Cicero Swamp area in the town of Cicero tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and West Nile virus (WNV). On July 29, the Health Department received confirmation that mosquitoes from traps… Read more >

Reality Check Youth Program: A Year in Review

TOBACCO-FREE CNY, JULY 24, 2025 –  Reality Check, the Tobacco-Free CNY youth program led by the Onondaga County Health Department, has worked hard throughout the school year to combat current tobacco issues. Many students have worked this year to stand up to Big Tobacco and dedicate their time to making their communities healthier and safer… Read more >

Tobacco-Free Chalk Art Contest Hosted by Reality Check on Saturday, July 26, 2025

LOCAL YOUTH HOST CHALK ART CONTEST AND WELLNESS FAIR TO SUPPORT THEIR COMMUNITY AND HIGHLIGHT HARMS OF TOBACCO Great photo, video, and interview opportunities CONTACT: Camryn Chaffee, 315-435-3280 ext. 4607, CamrynChaffee@ongov.net WHO: Reality Check youth from Onondaga, Cortland, Tompkins, and Chenango counties will volunteer and participate in the tobacco-free chalk art contest to educate and… Read more >

Onondaga County Reports First Human Case of West Nile Virus Since 2019; First Finding of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus in Mosquitoes this Season

ONONDAGA COUNTY, JULY 16, 2025 – Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Kathryn Anderson announced today that the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) infection since 2019 has been reported in an elderly adult residing in the Town of Cicero. The individual was hospitalized, has since been discharged, and is currently recovering. Additionally, Eastern… Read more >

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

ONONDAGA COUNTY, JULY 10, 2025 – 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… Read more >

Tell Us What You Think About the Health of Our Community

ONONDAGA COUNTY, JUNE 4, 2025 – The Onondaga County Health Department, in partnership with Crouse Health, St. Joseph’s Health, and Upstate University Hospital is preparing a Community Health Assessment and wants to learn more about what people in our community think about health. You can take a Community Health Survey to share your thoughts. The… Read more >

Unmasking the Appeal: Tobacco-Free CNY Recognizes World No Tobacco Day

TOBACCO-FREE CNY, MAY 30, 2025 –  This year, Tobacco-Free CNY recognizes World No Tobacco Day on May 31st with the theme selected by the World Health Organization (WHO), “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.” World No Tobacco Day is a day set aside each year to focus on educating on… Read more >

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 >