Press Releases

Oneida County Health Department would like to remind the community of the importance of use of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in the home. The U.S. Fire Administration of FEMA recommends one smoke alarm on every level of the home, as well as inside and outside of each sleeping area. A carbon monoxide alarm should be on each level of the home as well. Smoke alarms should be tested and cleaned monthly, and batteries replaced as needed as well.

Oneida County Health Department would like to alert residents who have been impacted by the recent flooding that they can report issues and needs to HOOAD (Herkimer-Oneida Organizations Active in Disaster) by calling 2-1-1.

Oneida County Health Department advises cold weather, winter storm prevention tips. When winter temperatures drop significantly below normal, staying warm and safe can become a challenge. Exposure to cold temperatures, can cause other health related problems. Phyllis Ellis, Oneida County Health Director cautions “infants and older adults are particularly at risk, but anyone can be affected”.

A skunk that tested positive for rabies was euthanized after fighting with a dog in the Town of Marcy.
The skunk was euthanized on Oct. 13 after it got into a fight with a dog and was removed by professionals after entering the pet owner’s home. It later tested positive for rabies at Wadsworth Laboratory.

An Oneida County resident recently test positive for West Nile Virus. This person has a travel history outside of Oneida County and has not exhibited any severe symptoms.
“Each week our Environmental Health Division collects a variety of mosquitos’ species from 9 trap sites around the county and submits them to the Wadsworth Laboratory as part of our ongoing WNV monitoring program,” said Phyllis D. Ellis, Director of Health. Ellis added, “To date, all collections from these sites have tested negative for the virus.”

Giant Hogweed is a public health hazard that ranks higher than poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac in respect to its potential to harm humans. The reason for concern is that the sap from this plant can cause a severe skin reaction known as photo-sensitivity. The reaction can happen up to 48 hours after contact. After coming in contact with the sap, the skin blisters when exposed to sunlight. Contact with the eyes can lead to temporary or possibly permanent blindness.
“The hogweed is troubling because not only is it an invasive plant, but it's a health hazard too,” said Phyllis D. Ellis, Director of Health for Oneida County.