Press Releases

In honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month the Oneida County Office Building will be lit blue during the month of March. The Health Department is also sponsoring a dress down day on March 23 in which county employees are encouraged to wear blue jeans and purchase a blue bracelet for $5 with the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society’s work toward finding a cure for colon cancer.

The flu is widespread across the U.S. and prevalent in New York State. It is not too late to get the 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 of age and older get a flu vaccine every year.

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.