Press Releases

A bat has tested positive for rabies in the Village of New Hartford. The bat was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center for testing on August 14, 2025, and positive results were reported on August 15, 2025.  One person and one pet were exposed to the bat. The person received post exposure prophylaxis, and the pet was up to date on their rabies vaccinations.

Vaccines play a vital role in the health of individuals and communities. Vaccines offer protection from many different diseases, such as measles, tetanus, polio, hepatitis, and influenza.

Whether you are having a baby, traveling to a new country, or preparing your children to go back to school, vaccines are recommended and often required to help protect you and your family.

A cat has tested positive for rabies in the Town of Sangerfield. The cat was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center for testing on July 1, 2025, and positive results were reported on July 2, 2025. One person was exposed to the cat and received post exposure prophylaxis.

The Oneida County Health Department announced car seat safety events that will be co-hosted with the Sheriff’s Office.
The events will take place at the following locations and times:

•Griffiss International Airport (Airport Operations Building), 706 Hangar Road, Rome on May 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
•Deerfield Volunteer Fire Company, 5476 Trenton Road, Utica on June 26 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Free car seats will be available to eligible parents/legal guardians who are in need of a car seat. Appointments are required. For those already in possession of a car seat, a certified technician can be available to check that it is installed properly, also by appointment only. There are no eligibility requirements for car seat checks.

The Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) announced today that it will replace any expiring Narcan® it provided to local businesses and organizations. In the summer of 2022, the Oneida County Opioid Task Force launched the “Save-a-Life” campaign which helped expand access to naloxone by distributing free overdose rescue kits to more public places including businesses and community organizations. The Narcan® in those kits may be expired or soon expiring and should be replaced.

National Public Health Week is celebrated each year during the first full week of April. It’s a time to recognize and highlight the contributions of public health. It starts here with each of us making a difference in how we live, work, and play in our homes and in our communities.

“The health and well-being of the residents of this county is a priority”, stated Anthony J. Picente, Jr., Oneida County Executive. “Our Health Department is vital in helping our community members make informed decisions on how to live their healthiest life.”