Category Archives: Press Releases

First Report of West Nile Virus in Onondaga County and Corrected Update: No Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta MD, MPH, was notified by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) that two mosquito pools from a trap located in the Town of Salina have tested positive for West Nile Virus. NYSDOH also notified Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) of an update in their report to OCHD… Read more >

Mosquito Pool Found Positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta MD, MPH, has been notified that a mosquito pool from a trap located at Island Road in the town of Cicero has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV). Dr. Gupta explained, “EEE is a rare disease that is caused by a virus spread by the bite of… Read more >

Joseph F. William Memorial Park Beach Reopened for Swimming

The Onondaga County Health Department announced today that the, Joseph F. William Memorial Park Beach located in the town of Cicero, is open again for swimming.  Swimming at this beach was closed on August 10th due to high bacteria levels of E.coli in the water.  Lisa Letteney, Director of Environmental Health, explained that water quality… Read more >

Oneida Shores Beach Reopened for Swimming

The Onondaga County Health Department announced today that Oneida Shores Beach, located in the town of Cicero, is open again for swimming.  Swimming at Oneida Shores was closed on August 10, 2016 due to high bacteria levels of E.coli in the water.  Lisa Letteney, Director of Environmental Health, explained that water quality test results received… Read more >

Two Public Beaches Closed for Swimming Due to High Bacterial Counts

The Onondaga County Health Department announced today that Oneida Shores Beach and the Joseph F. William Memorial Park Beach, both located in the Town of Cicero, will be closed for swimming due to high levels of E. coli bacteria in the water. The Health Department monitors water at public beaches routinely and closes swimming when… Read more >

Time for Back-to-School Vaccines

Now is the time to make sure your kids’ vaccinations (shots) are up-to-date so that they are ready to return to school in September.  Having all school required vaccines not only protects your child from harmful infections, it also protects your family, their classmates and the community.  It is important to contact your child’s health… Read more >

Blue-Green Algae Advisory Issued for Hiawatha Lake

Onondaga County Health Department has issued a Blue-Green Algae Advisory for Hiawatha Lake located in Onondaga Park in the City of Syracuse. This advisory was issued because a blue-green algae bloom has been identified in the lake; although this is not a public swimming area, people and their pets should avoid contact with any algae… Read more >

Oneida Shores Beach Closed Due to High Bacterial Counts

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 E. coli bacteria in the water. The Health Department monitors water at public beaches routinely and closes swimming when bacterial levels exceed acceptable standards. The Health Department will… 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 25 through Friday, July 29, 2016.  Water chestnuts are plants that are rooted in the river bottom. Water chestnuts spread quickly and their seeds can remain dormant… Read more >

Extreme Heat Precautions & Safety Tips for Seniors

Onondaga County Executive Joanne M. Mahoney, Indu Gupta MD, MPH, Commissioner of Health, and Peter J. Headd, Deputy Commissioner, Executive Director, Office for Aging are advising that individuals take precautions when the temperatures and humidity are high. The National Weather Service forecast shows temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees today, Tuesday, July 12, through… Read more >