Press Releases

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.

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.