Press Releases

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.

When winter temperatures drop significantly below normal, staying warm and safe can become a challenge. Exposure to cold temperatures, whether indoors or outside, can cause other health problems. Infants and older adults are particularly at risk but anyone can be affected. To keep yourself and your family safe, you should know how to prevent cold-related health problems.

The Oneida County Health Department is reminding people to be weary of Rabies no matter the season in an attempt to minimize the risk to families' pets as well as describing what to look for when trying to indentify rabid animals.