Category Archives: Press Releases

Bat Positive for Rabies

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta, MD, MPH, announced today that the New York State Health Department laboratory has reported that a bat found in the City of Syracuse has tested positive for rabies. This is the first positive rabies finding of the season. Dr. Gupta stresses, “It is important to bat-proof your home now… Read more >

Spraying of the Cicero Swamp Postponed and Will Take Place on Friday, July 10, 2015

The Onondaga County Health Department will be conducting aerial spraying of the Cicero Swamp and immediate surrounding areas on Friday, July 10, between the hours of 7:30 and 10:00 pm weather permitting. Spraying of the Cicero Swamp did not occur last evening due to mechanical problems with the airplane. Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta… Read more >

Spraying Postponed until Wednesday, July 8th and West Nile Virus Found in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta MD, MPH, announced today that the New York State Health Department laboratory has reported finding evidence of West Nile virus (WNV) in Onondaga County. The finding was in a mosquito pool collected on June 30th from a mosquito trap located on Island Road in the Town of Cicero. This… Read more >

Spraying of the Cicero Swamp to Take Place on Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta MD, MPH, has been notified that a mosquito pool from a trap near the Cicero Swamp has tested positive for EEE. Dr. Gupta explained, “EEE is a rare disease that is caused by a virus spread by the bite of an infected mosquito therefore, it is extremely important that… Read more >

Take Steps To Protect Yourself From Rabies This Summer

Commissioner of Health, Indu Gupta, MD, MPH is reminding Onondaga County residents to take precautions to protect yourself and your family from rabies. Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals that is transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Many rabies cases occur in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Fortunately,… Read more >

Protect Yourself from Mosquito Borne Diseases: West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis

The Onondaga County Health Department is encouraging all residents to use personal protection to protect from mosquito bites and the threat of mosquito borne diseases. Indu Gupta MD, MPH, Onondaga County Commissioner of Health encouraged residents “With the warm weather and the summer almost here, it is important to consistently use personal protection measures to… Read more >

Reduce Your Risk of Lyme Disease

Reduce Your Risk of Lyme Disease May 20, 2015 The Onondaga County Health Department is encouraging all residents to take steps to reduce their risk of tick bites that may transmit Lyme disease. Indu Gupta, MD, MPH, Onondaga County Commissioner of Health, explained that, “Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium through the bite of… Read more >

Recall on Baby Furniture

The Onondaga County Health Department’s Lead Poisoning Control Program is alerting parents about the voluntary recall for “Baby’s Dream Cribs and Furniture”. The grey paint on this furniture contains a high level of lead. Young children are especially at risk for lead poisoning because they often put non-food items in their mouth. Children with lead… Read more >

Cycle in the City Starts on May 17th

Looking for a great way to see Syracuse and to get fit? Join us on Sunday, May 17th at 9:00 am at the Creekwalk Trail Head (Jefferson Street in Armory Square) to launch the 2015 Cycle in the City’s free guided bike rides.   Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work, and Play in Onondaga County Program,… Read more >