Category Archives: Press Releases

Blue-Green Algae Update: Skaneateles Lake

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta announced today that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has confirmed that algal blooms found along the shore of Skaneateles Lake contain elevated levels of toxin. The Onondaga County Health Department, New York State, the City of Syracuse, and the Town of Skaneateles are continuously… Read more >

Blue-Green Algae Advisory Issued for Skaneateles Lake

Onondaga County Health Department has issued a Blue-Green Algae Advisory for Skaneateles Lake. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae in the lake. People and their pets should avoid contact with any algae blooms, surface scums, and colored water. Blue-green algae blooms can turn the water… Read more >

Overdose Awareness Day, August 31

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a global event held each year on August 31st with an aim to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or suffered a permanent injury as a result of… Read more >

Two Mosquito Pools Test Positive for West Nile Virus

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta, MD, MPH, announced today that West Nile virus (WNV) continues to be present in Onondaga County. Two mosquito pools from samples collected last week have tested positive for WNV—one from a trap located at East Taft Road in the Town of Cicero and another in the Town of Geddes.… Read more >

Four More Mosquito Pools Found Positive for West Nile Virus

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Indu Gupta, MD, MPH, is notifying the public that four more mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). One mosquito pool was from a trap located in the Town of Lysander and the other three were located in the Town of Salina. Dr. Gupta explained, “The Health Department… Read more >

Oneida Shores Remains Closed for Swimming

The Onondaga County Health Department announced today that Oneida Shores Beach, located in the town of Cicero, will continue to be closed for swimming due to water quality issues.  Water testing will continue and the Health Department will keep the public informed of the water quality as more information becomes available. The Iron Girl organizers… Read more >

Mosquito Pool Found Positive for West Nile Virus

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta MD, MPH, has been notified that a mosquito pool from the East Taft Road trap in the  town of Cicero has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).  This is the first finding of WNV this year.   Dr. Gupta explained, “It is extremely important that people use personal protection… Read more >

Annual Elimination of Water Chestnuts in the Seneca River

The Onondaga County Health Department will begin to reduce the number of water chestnuts in the Seneca River in the Baldwinsville and Three Rivers areas beginning Monday, July 31 through Thursday, August 10, 2017. Water chestnuts are plants that are rooted in the river bottom. Water chestnuts spread quickly and their seeds can remain dormant… Read more >