Press Releases

As Oneida County experiences one of its most active flu seasons in recent years, the Health Department is helping to raise awareness of flu vaccines as part of National Influenza Vaccination Awareness Week. Oneida County has already had almost 800 reported cases this season, a very high number at this point in the season compared to years’ past.

Cooler weather is approaching, and the holiday season is right around the corner. With that comes more time indoors and gatherings with friends and family. Be proactive and take some simple steps to keep you and your family healthy and avoid illness.

A skunk has tested positive for rabies in the Town of Forestport. The skunk was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center for testing on October 26, 2022 and positive results were reported on October 27, 2022. One person was exposed to the skunk and received post exposure prophylaxis.

The Oneida County Health Department is raising awareness of lead poisoning during this National Lead Poisoning Prevention week. Lead poisoning in children is preventable yet continues to happen. No level of lead is safe, but at 5 micrograms or higher, this is a serious concern for the health of the child and action is required to provide services to the child and family.

The Oneida County Health Department announced today that a cat has tested positive for rabies in Town of Forestport. The cat was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center for testing and positive results were reported on October 5, 2022. Two people were directly exposed to the cat and received post exposure prophylaxis.

The Oneida County Health Department announced today that a county resident has tested positive for monkeypox. Lab results were received on September 23, 2022 and the patient is in isolation. Contact tracing has been conducted and all exposed contacts have been notified of the exposure. No additional information will be provided about this individual to protect privacy.