Press Releases

Flu season is here and prevalent in both Oneida County and across New York State.  The best protection against the flu is through vaccination.  It is not too late to get your flu shot.  It takes about two weeks after the vaccination for antibodies to develop and to provide protection against the flu.

The Oneida County Overdose Response Team (ORT) is reminding people who use drugs, friends and family members that a holiday period can lead to an increased risk of overdose.
“For most people, the holidays bring joy and excitement. However, for individuals actively using drugs or in recovery, the potential for family conflict, loneliness, grief, financial strain and other factors can produce a large amount of stress that may increase chances of an overdose,” said Oneida County Public Health Director Phyllis Ellis.

The Oneida County Health Department reported today that one horse located in the town of Lee, tested positive for the Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEE). The horse died on September 30, 2019.
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but serious viral disease spread by mosquitoes that can affect people and horses. EEE is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes will then occasionally feed on horses, humans and other mammals. EEE is not spread person-to-person, from people to animals or from animals (other than mosquitoes) to people.

Oneida County Health Department Services Will Reach More Residents
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced today that the New York State Department of Health has lowered threshold Blood Lead Levels for home inspections and educational services.
Beginning Oct. 1, NYSDOH will require local health departments to provide home inspections and educational services to families with children who have Blood Lead Levels (BLLs) which are 5 mcg/dL or greater. Previously, these services were provided to families with children who had BLLs which were 15 mcg/dL or higher.

Oneida County Working to Keep Pets & Families Safe
With World Rabies Day occurring on Sept. 28, Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. is urging residents to “Vaccinate to Eliminate” in order to keep their pets and families safe.
“World Rabies Day is a good opportunity to remind our residents to ensure their pets are current on their vaccinations,” Picente said. “Every ten minutes, someone in the United States is treated for possible exposure to rabies. We will continue to fight each day to reduce exposure here in Oneida County with education, vaccination clinics and treatment information and options.”

Oneida County Health Department Urging Owners to Keep Pets Updated on Vaccinations
A skunk has tested positive for rabies in the Town of Bridgewater. The skunk was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center for testing on Monday, September 16th, where positive results were reported yesterday. The skunk was killed by resident, and no humans were exposed to it.