Press Releases

Health Department’s Main Focus for National Nutrition Month
The Oneida County Health Department is using National Nutrition Month to focus on improving the healthy eating habits of county residents.
According to a recent New York State Department of Health Risk Assessment Survey, 31.5 percent of Oneida County residents said they consume no daily fruits or vegetables, which is in line with the statewide average of 31.2 percent of responding adults.

Oneida County Health Department Announces 2019 Rabies Vaccination Clinics for Pets
A skunk has tested positive for rabies in the Town of Vienna. The skunk was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center for testing on 3/4/19, where positive results were reported today. A Vienna resident came in contact with the skunk and was immediately started on rabies Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) treatment, which is a post-exposure vaccine given over a 14-day period.

Officials Offer Rabies Prevention Reminders
A fox has tested positive for rabies after coming in contact with two residents in the Town of New Hartford.
According to New Hartford Chief of Police Michael Inserra, on 2/22/19 one resident was bitten by the fox walking along a roadway in town, and a second resident was approached by the fox and bitten as the resident exited a vehicle at the resident’s home in the same area. New Hartford Town Police responded and the fox was killed.

Pet Owners Reminded to Vaccinate Pets
A skunk has tested positive for rabies in the Town of Vernon, however, there was no human contact, and a dog that came in contact with the infected animal is under quarantine and being observed.

Health Department Educating Public Throughout February
The Oneida County Health Department has been spending February raising awareness of cancer prevention through several educational initiatives.  Many factors can contribute to a cancer diagnosis, but there are positive steps that can be taken at any age to help  decrease risk. With February being Cancer Prevention Month, Oneida County is reminding its employees and residents to consider modifying certain key behaviors in order to reduce cancer risk.

February is American Heart Month, and the Oneida County Health Department is reminding residents not to overlook an important contributor to coronary disease, heart attack and stroke: tobacco smoke.
OCHD offers free quit smoking classes to any county resident who signs up in in advance. The classes are offered in partnership with Mohawk Valley Health Systems (MVHS), Rome Memorial Hospital and Mohawk Valley Community College’s Respiratory Therapy Program and run in a series of three sessions. The next session is taking place March 6, 13 and 20, 2019 at MVHS, St. Elizabeth Campus.