Press Releases

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: 

• Deerfield Volunteer Fire Company, 5476 Trenton Road, Utica on November 17 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Griffiss International Airport (Airport Operations Building), 706 Hangar Road, Rome on December 10 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.

A fox has tested positive for rabies in the City of Rome. This fox was located around Stevens Field, W. Thomas and W. Embargo Streets on Sunday, November 8, 2026 and may have exposed numerous people. Any person who was in contact with this fox is urged to contact Oneida County Health Department at 315-798-5064 to discuss the exposure and treatment. Rabies is preventable but 100% fatal if it is left untreated.

A raccoon has tested positive for rabies in Vernon. The raccoon was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center for testing on November 3, 2026, and positive results were reported on November 4, 2026. Two dogs were exposed to the raccoon and received booster vaccinations.

A raccoon has tested positive for rabies in Deansboro. The raccoon was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center for testing on October 13, 2026, and positive results were reported on October 14, 2026. One vaccinated cat was exposed to the raccoon.

Two residents of Oneida County have been diagnosed with measles. Neither person was vaccinated against the illness. The two cases are related and within the same residence. Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) has identified and notified people who had close contact with the cases and there is no immediate threat to the public.

Measles is highly contagious and a serious disease that can make people very ill, especially young children. Complications include pneumonia, encephalitis, miscarriage, preterm birth, hospitalization, and death. There is currently no treatment for measles.

A bat has tested positive for rabies in South Utica. The bat was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center for testing on September 9, 2026 and positive results were reported on September 10, 2026. One person was exposed to the bat and receiving post-exposure prophylaxis.