Press Releases

Oneida County Health Department Urging Residents to Know How to Recognize the Signs of Rabies
A raccoon has tested positive for rabies in the Town of Sangerfield. The raccoon was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsw01ih Center for testing on Tuesday, March 17th, where positive results were reported the following day. Two adults and a dog had exposure to the raccoon. Both adults received post exposure prophylaxis. The dog was current with its rabies vaccination, and received a booster shot.

Nurse's Day, Car Seat Safety Event, Rabies Clinic are all postponed
Oneida County continues to confront the COVID-19 virus head on. The health of the public is Oneida County's number one priority. We continue to work to address the public's needs and questions during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are also following guidance directed by our federal, state and local experts and leaders on best practices and strategies to reduce and limit the spread of COVID-19. As a result, upcoming community events sponsored by the Oneida County Health Department will be postponed.

Recently, there have been two incidents of food service facilities regulated by the Oneida County Health Department that reported having a food worker infected with Hepatitis A. Neither food worker knew that they were infected with Hepatitis A before they had symptoms. Both food service facilities were fully cooperative and provided important information to the health department during illness investigation interviews.

The Oneida County Health Department has now added a new phone information line specifically dedicated to questions about COVID-19.

The Oneida County Health Department will hold it's first of four Rabies Vaccination Clinics on March 27, 2020 from 6 to 7:30 at the Trenton Municipal Center. You can pre-register for the upcoming clinic by calling 315-798-5064.
Rabies is a deadly disease that affects the brain and kills both animals and humans. Animals pass the virus when the infected animal bites. Any mammal can get rabies, but bats, skunks, foxes and raccoons are most common. Without quick treatment, the rabies virus can lead to death. Fortunately, rabies is also almost 100 percent preventable for your pets if they are vaccinated. Phyllis D. Ellis, BSN, MS, FACHE, Director of Health, states, "It is extremely important to keep your pets up to date on all vaccinations especially rabies. This not only protects your pet, but it also protects you, your family and the community".

In collaboration with the New York State Department of Health and the Oneida County Health Department, Rome Memorial Hospital will conduct walk-in vaccination clinics for individuals who may have been exposed to the Hepatitis A virus to supplement the clinics scheduled by the county.
Individuals who ate at Cianfrocco's Subs & Wings in Rome between Monday, Feb. 3 and Saturday, Feb. 22 were potentially exposed to Hepatitis A by an employee who tested positive for the virus.