Press Releases

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.

With a new flu season, health officials are reminding people of the toll last year’s season took on individuals, and encouraging everyone to get a flu shot to protect their families, communities, and themselves.
“The dangers of the flu are real, especially for the very young, for older adults, and for those with other health problems,” said Director of Health, Phyllis D. Ellis “Getting a flu shot helps to protect not only you, but also your loved ones, friends, and neighbors, and this year we are asking everyone to pitch in and help.”

On September 26, 2018 a raccoon was spotted in the Town of Bridgewater in Oneida County. The raccoon got into a fight with a small dog. The owner of the dog intervened and sustained a laceration in the process. The raccoon tested positive for rabies on September 27th. The owner of the dog is receiving Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis.

This week is Child Passenger Safety Week- A campaign dedicated to helping parents and caregivers make sure their children ride as safely as possible- every trip, every time.

With flu season quickly approaching, the Oneida County Health Department is stressing the importance of being educated on prevention, and most importantly: getting a flu shot. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop and to provide protection against the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months-old and older get a flu vaccine every year.