Hot Topics

This area will include information on Public Health issues that are of current interest.  Topics may be seasonal, emerging diseases, etc.

Posted: August 9, 2010

BAT RABIES REMINDERS

The recent heat wave has forced many bats out of attics into living spaces to avoid extreme temperatures thereby increasing the likelihood of human and domestic animal exposure.  Bats decompose rapidly in the heat, and the Rabies Laboratory may not be able to determine with certainty the rabies status of an animal if tissues have decomposed prior to testing.  Please make all possible attempts to refrigerate the bat specimens being submitted for rabies testing as soon as possible. Bats should be placed in a cooler with ice packs if needed.  Freezing is even advisable if the bat appears to be in any stage of decomposition, as freezing can arrest decomposition.

For further information about this topic click here .

Posted: August 6, 2010

This is West Nile Virus Season

To reduce your risk fo being bitten by mosquitoes:

• Reduce or eliminate all stagnant water in your yard.  Empty containers and change bird baths regularly.
• Maintain swimming pools and empty those that are not used.
• Make sure all windows and doors have screens
• Keep all screens repaired
• Wear long sleeve shirts and pants in the evening if your are outside.  Minimize outdoor activities between dawn and dusk if possible.
• Use insect repellant in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions

The Cortland County Health Department will no longer be taking ill/dead bird reports and will not dispose of these birds.

To dispose of a bird, wear gloves and/or use a shovel to bury or place the bird in the garbage.

For further information about this topic click here .

Posted: July 27, 2010 

Free Pneumococcal and HPV vaccine for eligible individuals, while supplies last!

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine—for women 19-26 years old

Protect yourself against the most common sexually transmitted disease. The vaccine is very effective in protecting against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer and genital warts. It is a series of 3 shots given over 6 months.

Pneumococcal Vaccine

You need a pneumococcal vaccine if you are:

• 19-64 years old and have a chronic illness, including asthma, and have not been previously vaccinated, or
• 19-64 years old and smoke cigarettes, and have not been previously vaccinated, or
• 65 years and older and have not been previously vaccinated

Call the Cortland County Health Department @ 753-5203 to make an appointment. There is a limited amount of free vaccine so call soon if you do not have insurance that pays for it.

Novel H1N1

Preventing Rabies in Cortland County

With the advent of warm weather comes increased contact between wildlife and people and their pets.  The Cortland County Health Department urges all residents to take these common sense steps to avoid exposure to rabies:

- Avoid contact with wild animals.  Be suspicious of wild animals that are unusually tame or aggressive, especially those that attack your pets.  If your pet is attacked by a wild animal, avoid handling it for at least 2 hours.  Keep it away from other people and animals.  If you must handle it, wear gloves.  If seeking medical attention for your pet, be sure to advise your veterinarian of the attack so that they may take precautions.;

- Do not attract wild life to your yard by feeding them or feeding your pets outside.;

- Avoid contact with any stray animals, especiqally cats.  Encourage children to do the same.;

- Be sure your animals are immunized against rabies and that their vaccinations are kept up-to-date even if it is an indoor cat.  Dates and times of rabies clinics will be announced in the local media as well as on the county website.  Click on Calendar of Events.;

- If you find a bat in your home, do not release it and seek advise from the Cortland County Health Department about what to do next.  Immediately report any possible contact with bats, such as bats in rooms with sleeping persons, unattended children, or individuals with mental impairment.

          For this complete article click here.

Posted June 24, 2009

Updated Petroleum Bulk Storage Regulations (PBS)

Updated PBS regulations come into effect on July 21, 2009.  Information on these regulation changes is available on the DEC web site at http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/53278.html
The updated regulations include:
     - equipmen/tank upgrade requirements;
     - authority for this Deparment to prohibit product deliveries in certain situations;
     - facility operator training and certification requirements.

Memo to Facilities

Posted April 28, 2009

Gas Stations and Our Drinking Water Sources

Cortland County Health Department's primary points for gas stations (Petroleum Bulk Storage facilities) proposed for primary, municipal drinking water source areas are:

            1.   Clean drinking water is essential for a healthy community. Public health is
                  responsible for ensuring safe, clean drinking water is provided to our
                  residents.
            2.   Locating a gas station in the primary water source area of an aquifer puts
                  Cortland City and Cortlandville's and Homer's drinking water supplies at risk
                  for contamination.  Engineering design may reduce the probability of spills,
                  but does not eliminate the risk of contamination.
            3.   The Town and Village should consider alternate locations for gas stations
                  which would be compatible with public water supply protection.

Health Department Letters to Town of Cortlandville, March 19 & 23, 2009

Health Department Letters to Village of Homer, March 19 & 23, 2009

Cortland Standard Editorial, April 22, 2009

 Public Notice

     Adolescent Tobacco Use Prevention Act (ATUPA)
          - Retail Violations·

Memorandum to Municipalities

Radon
    Testing
    New Construction
    Radon Reduction

Rabies
    Don't release bats found in your home
    Rabies Clincs

Bike Safety
    Wear helmet
    Ride smart
   

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