Press Releases

Recent news stories have reported Oneida County having two cases of Mpox. “There are no current cases of Mpox in Oneida County. The first case was identified September 24, 2022. As a result of that case, Oneida County hosted a Mpox vaccination clinic on October 5, 2022. The second case was identified on November 8, 2023”, explained Daniel W. Gilmore, Ph.D., MPH. As routine in any communicable disease, Oneida County Health Department investigated each case, both patients isolated and contact tracing was conducted. Neither of the cases were residents of Oneida County, and both had history of travel.

A horse has tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEE) in Town of Verona.
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.

A fox has tested positive for rabies in Kirkland. The fox was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center for testing on July 10, 2024, and positive results were reported on July 11, 2024. 

Summer brings sunny days, warm weather and unfortunately, mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are pesky nuisances that can cause itchy bites but can occasionally transmit disease causing viruses to people and animals.

The Oneida County Health Department announced new car seat safety events that will be co-hosted with the Sheriff’s Office.
The events will take place at the following locations and times:

United Methodist Church, 132 Main Street, Camden on July 18 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Adirondack High School, 8181 NY-294, Boonville on August 8 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Deerfield Volunteer Fire Department, 5476 Trenton Road Utica on September 17 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Griffiss International Airport (Airport Operations Building), 706 Hangar Road, Rome on October 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Waterville Volunteer Fire Department, 222 E. Main Street, on November 7 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) has learned of a Hepatitis A exposure. During the food demonstration at Ace Hardware in Rome, the positive person prepared and cooked food while infectious with Hepatitis A. Patrons who consumed this food may have been exposed.