Press Releases

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.

The Oneida County Health Department announced extended vaccination clinic hours in both Utica and Rome. The clinics will take place at the following locations and times:

• OCHD Rome Clinic, 100 W. Dominick Street, Rome on
  
  • Tuesday, September 15^th from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 6th from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 13th from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• OCHD Utica Clinic, 406 Elizabeth Street, Utica on
  • Thursday, September 17^th from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Wednesday, September 23rd from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, September 24^th from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 1^st from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 8^th from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A bat and a raccoon have tested positive for rabies in Chadwicks and Westmoreland, exposing two people and two dogs.

The bat tested positive for rabies in Chadwicks. It was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center for testing on August 24, 2026, and positive results were reported on August 25, 2026. The bat was located at an individual’s residence.  One person was exposed to the bat and is receiving 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:

• Deerfield Volunteer Fire Company, 5476 Trenton Road, Utica on September 24 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Griffiss International Airport (Airport Operations Building), 706 Hangar Road, Rome on October 8 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.