Category Archives: Press Releases

Mosquitoes Found Positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus

ONONDAGA COUNTY, AUGUST 16, 2023 – The Onondaga County Health Department was notified by the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory today that two mosquito pools from a trap located at Taft Road in the town of Cicero tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV). This first positive finding of virus in… Read more >

Syracuse Teens Attend Youth Summit at SUNY Adirondack; Fight Against Menthol-Flavored Tobacco Products That Attract and Addict New Smokers

1 in 5 New York State High School-Age Youth Use Tobacco Products According to New York State Department of Health[i] Local Reality Check youth advocates joined over one-hundred teens this month from around the state at SUNY Adirondack in Queensbury, New York a four-day youth summit to educate, empower, and equip them to fight back… Read more >

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

ONONDAGA COUNTY, JULY 14, 2023 – 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 >

Heat Advisory for Central New York

Onondaga County Health Department Advises Residents to Take Precautions Against Extreme Heat and Humidity ONONDAGA COUNTY, JULY 6, 2023 – A heat advisory for Central New York has been issued from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm today, Thursday, July 6 with expected heat index values of up to 98 degrees. Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr.… Read more >

Oneida Shores Beach Closed for Swimming

ONONDAGA COUNTY, JUNE 27, 2023 – 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 bacteria (E.coli) in the water. Swimming will not be allowed until bacteria levels return to acceptable levels. The Health Department will be… Read more >

Air Quality Index Due to Quebec Wildfires Now at Hazardous Level in Onondaga County; Onondaga County Health Department Urges Public to Stay Safe 

ONONDAGA COUNTY, JUNE 7, 2023 – The Onondaga County Health Department is closely monitoring the hazardous air quality conditions resulting from the wildfires in Quebec. The wildfires have caused a significant deterioration in air quality, affecting a large geographical area in the US, including Onondaga County.   Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Kathryn Anderson explained, “the… Read more >

Onondaga County Health Department Urges Residents to Take Precautions in Response to Air Quality Alert Caused by Quebec Wildfires

UPDATE, JUNE 6, 2023, 5:40PM: The current Air Quality Index is now at a “Very Unhealthy” level. These levels are dynamic and may change as the day progresses. Stay informed at AirNow.gov and National Weather Service. ************** ONONDAGA COUNTY, JUNE 6, 2023 – The Onondaga County Health Department is issuing an important alert to all… Read more >

Onondaga County Health Department Shares Tips to Prevent Mosquito and Tick-Borne Diseases

ONONDAGA COUNTY, MAY 26, 2023 – As the warm weather approaches, the Onondaga County Health Department emphasizes the importance of protecting ourselves and our community against mosquito and tick-borne diseases.  Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Kathryn Anderson reminds residents, “as we head into the holiday weekend and enjoy spending time outdoors, it is important to… Read more >

Onondaga County Health Department Reminds Residents to Take Precautions Against Rabies During Warmer Months

ONONDAGA COUNTY, MAY 12, 2023 – As the warmer months approach, the Onondaga County Health Department is reminding residents to take precautions against rabies. Onondaga County Commissioner of Health, Dr. Kathryn Anderson, explains that “Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease, and vaccinating our pets is the key to protecting our pets and ourselves. By… Read more >

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

ONONDAGA COUNTY, MARCH 1, 2023 – March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 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… Read more >