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New York State Department of Health

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COVID-19: NYers Should Order Free At-Home Tests, Officials Say COVID-19: NYers Should Order Free At-Home Tests, Officials Say
Covid-19: NYers Should Order Free At-Home Tests, Officials Say As the season for respiratory illnesses begins, New York health officials are urging residents to take advantage of free COVID-19 test kits being offered by the federal government.  In an announcement on Friday, Oct. 4, the New York State Department of Health advised New Yorkers to order free rapid test kits, which are being offered to US households through the US Postal Service.  Each household can receive four at-home test kits, the government announced on Friday, Sept. 27.  Earlier Report - Covid-19: Free At-Home Tests Are Now Available To Order Online While Supplie…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Hudson Valley Resident Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus; 'Imminent Threat To Public' Declared Hudson Valley Resident Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus; 'Imminent Threat To Public' Declared
Hudson Valley Resident Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus; 'Imminent Threat To Public' Declared A New York resident has died days after contracting the state’s first human case of a rare but serious mosquito-borne virus in nearly a decade. The Ulster County resident died from complications stemming from eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office confirmed on Monday, Sept. 23. It marks the first human case of EEE in New York State since 2015. Earlier Report: Human Case Of Severe Mosquito-Borne Virus Confirmed In Ulster County, First In NY Since 2015 “We’ve been informed this patient has passed away from EEE, we extend our sympathies and our hearts go out t…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Human Case Of Potentially Deadly Mosquito-Borne Virus Confirmed For First In NY Since 2015 Human Case Of Potentially Deadly Mosquito-Borne Virus Confirmed For First In NY Since 2015
Human Case Of Potentially Deadly Mosquito-Borne Virus Confirmed For First In NY Since 2015 For the first time in a decade, health officials in New York confirmed a human case of a rare but serious mosquito-borne disease. Click here for updated story: Ulster County Resident Dies From EEE Virus; State Declares 'Imminent Threat To Public' In Ulster County, the New York State Department of Health confirmed that a resident was hospitalized after testing positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEE), the agency announced Friday, Sept. 20. It marks the first human case of EEE in New York State since 2015. The Ulster County Department of Health is investigating. Earlier …

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Horse Dies In Region From Rare Brain Disease Spread By Mosquitoes Horse Dies In Region From Rare Brain Disease Spread By Mosquitoes
Horse Dies In Region From Rare Brain Disease Spread By Mosquitoes A horse has died in the region from a rare brain disease spread by mosquitoes that can also infect people. The Orange County Department of Health (OCDOH) reports a horse in the town of Newburgh died late last week of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).  The diagnosis was confirmed in test results released by the New York State Department of Health. Officials said the horse had not been vaccinated for EEE and did not travel outside the County. EEE is an extremely rare but serious and often fatal infection spread by mosquitoes. It can infect people and horses.  It causes encephalit…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
COVID-19: NY Hospitalizations Well Above Same Period Last Year Amid Increase In Virus Activity COVID-19: NY Hospitalizations Well Above Same Period Last Year Amid Increase In Virus Activity
Covid-19: NY Hospitalizations Well Above Same Period Last Year Amid Increase In Virus Activity As new highly contagious COVID-19 variants emerge, authorities are reporting that statewide hospitalizations in New York have significantly increased compared to the same period last summer. With social gatherings increasing during the summer months and high temperatures forcing people indoors, New York Gov. Kathy Hocul stated on Saturday, July 6, that New Yorkers should get tested if they have symptoms.  In addition, they should also follow the usual precautions, including current CDC guidance, stay current with COVID vaccines, and seek appropriate treatments if necessary. “While we …

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Back In Business: Capital Region Diner Reopens After Health Inspector's Closure For Insects Back In Business: Capital Region Diner Reopens After Health Inspector's Closure For Insects
Back In Business: Capital Region Diner Reopens After Health Inspector's Closure For Insects This story has been updated. A troubled restaurant in the region is back open days after state health inspectors shut it down over an insect problem. Saratoga County’s Route 50 Diner – located in Ballston Spa at 2002 Doubleday Avenue – was closed Thursday, May 30, after a New York State Department of Health inspector uncovered a cockroach infestation, according to the agency’s report.  The report added that the business, which opened in 2017, is working with a pest control company “for ongoing treatment” to mitigate the issue. Owner Brian Hyra confirmed the development in a defi…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
2 People Exposed To Rabid Cow In Upstate NY 2 People Exposed To Rabid Cow In Upstate NY
2 People Exposed To Rabid Cow In Upstate NY A rare case of people being exposed to a cow with rabies occurred in a hamlet in upstate New York. It happened late last week in Lee Center, located near the city of Rome in Oneida County. The cow was sent to a New York State Department of Health center for testing and the test results came back positive, the Oneida County Health Department said.  Two people were exposed to the cow and have received post-exposure prophylaxis, the department said. Signs of rabies include: Animal acting strangely Animal acting mad Animal acting shy The animal may get unusually close Drooling or…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
RSV Cases Spike Past COVID-19, Flu In NY RSV Cases Spike Past COVID-19, Flu In NY
RSV Cases Spike Past Covid-19, Flu In NY Health officials are urging New Yorkers to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations as cases of RSV have skyrocketed past cases of the flu and COVID-19. On Wednesday, Nov. 29, the New York State Department of Health urged eligible New Yorkers to get vaccinated against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The recommendation was published alongside data comparing the number of RSV cases alongside COVID-19 and flu cases across the state. From Saturday, Oct. 21 to Saturday, Nov. 25, COVID-19 cases dropped from around 200 cases to just over 150, while the flu increased from under 50 to around…

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by Sophie Grieser
Lifestyle
'Prepare With Care': Health Officials Urge Food Safety Ahead Of Thanksgiving 'Prepare With Care': Health Officials Urge Food Safety Ahead Of Thanksgiving
'Prepare With Care': Health Officials Urge Food Safety Ahead Of Thanksgiving As millions of New Yorkers prepare to cook their Thanksgiving feasts, health officials are urging people to remember the tenants of food safety. The New York State health and agriculture departments offered up several tips to help keep family and friends safe from foodborne illness this holiday season. “The Department works hard all year long to ensure the safety of our food supply at our stores and food manufacturing facilities, but food safety is also so important at home,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Richard Ball. “We urge everyone who is cooking for their loved ones this Thanksgiv…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
COVID-19: FDA Approves Updated Booster Shots Targeting New Variants COVID-19: FDA Approves Updated Booster Shots Targeting New Variants
Covid-19: FDA Approves Updated Booster Shots Targeting New Variants Health officials are one step closer to rolling out updated COVID-19 vaccines just in time for a rise in cases heading into the fall and winter months. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved new vaccines on Monday, Sept. 11, that are meant to better target currently circulating COVID-19 variants and provide better protection against hospitalization and death, the agency announced. Monday’s move affects vaccines manufactured by Moderna and Pfizer. The updated mRNA vaccines are each approved for people ages 12 and older and are authorized under emergency use for children ages 6 mo…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
COVID-19: Hospitalizations In NY Increasing; Health Officials Urge Treatment Options COVID-19: Hospitalizations In NY Increasing; Health Officials Urge Treatment Options
Covid-19: Hospitalizations In NY Increasing; Health Officials Urge Treatment Options Health officials in New York are warning of an uptick in COVID-19 hospitalizations, mirroring a similar trend seen across the country. The latest data shows that COVID-related hospital admissions for the week ending Wednesday, Aug. 2, increased 22 percent over the previous week, according to the New York State Department of Health. Hospitalizations are now at 0.6 per 100,000 residents on average, translating to more than 100 admissions per day. Earlier Report: COVID-19: Summertime Uptick In Cases, Hospitalizations Reported By CDC During that same period, the number of reported COVI…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
New Update - Smoky Skies: Air Quality Health Advisory Extended To All NY New Update - Smoky Skies: Air Quality Health Advisory Extended To All NY
New Update - Smoky Skies: Air Quality Health Advisory Extended To All NY As smoke from Canadian wildfires moves east, every part of New York State will be covered in unhealthy air, according to authorities and new forecasts. On Wednesday, June 28, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the air quality health advisory has now been extended to the entire state of New York, now including eastern parts of state, as smoke continues to worsen and the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches unhealthy levels. Related: Air Quality To Worsen In Coming Days: Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area According to the State Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health, a…

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by Sophie Grieser
Weather
Smoky Skies Ahead: New Yorkers Advised To Prepare For Hazardous Air From Canadian Wildfires Smoky Skies Ahead: New Yorkers Advised To Prepare For Hazardous Air From Canadian Wildfires
Smoky Skies Ahead: New Yorkers Advised To Prepare For Hazardous Air From Canadian Wildfires Click here for a new, updated story: Air Quality To Worsen In Coming Days: Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area A new air quality forecast predicted a large amount of near-surface smoke that will cover most of the state of New York, according to an announcement by the governor. Gov. Kathy Hochul warned New Yorkers of a potentially thick blanket of smoke expected to cover the state starting Wednesday, June 28 as the Canadian wildfires continue to burn. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s forecast predicts that, due to a cold front entering the no…

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by Sophie Grieser
News
'It Takes Two': NYers Urged To Get Mpox Vaccine; Here’s Where To Find Westchester Clinics 'It Takes Two': NYers Urged To Get Mpox Vaccine; Here’s Where To Find Westchester Clinics
'It Takes Two': NYers Urged To Get Mpox Vaccine; Here’s Where To Find Westchester Clinics Health officials in New York are hoping that a new campaign encouraging residents to complete their mpox vaccine will help prevent another outbreak ahead of summer. The statewide campaign kicked off Monday, May 1, and includes digital ads on websites, posters in stores and communities, and social media posts, according to the New York State Department of Health (DOH). Earlier Report: NY Declares Monkeypox 'Imminent Threat To Public Health' Amid New Rise In Cases Images center around two themes: “It takes two” and “Know the skin you’re in.” Mpox is a rare, viral infection that spreads thr…

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by Michael Mashburn
Lifestyle
Need A New Year's Resolution? Here's A Good One, NY Health Officials Say Need A New Year's Resolution? Here's A Good One, NY Health Officials Say
Need A New Year's Resolution? Here's A Good One, NY Health Officials Say State health officials have a suggestion for those struggling to come up with a new year’s resolution: kick the habit of smoking e-cigarettes and vaping. In a statement Friday, Dec. 30, the New York State Department of Health urged residents to stop using the “highly addictive and dangerous” products. “According to research, both e-cigarette users and those who are exposed to secondhand emissions may experience long-term health issues,” State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said. “I encourage New Yorkers who use e-cigarettes to ring in the New Year by making a resolution to quit usi…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
NY Nursing Home Employee Sexually Assaulted Resident, Boss Covered Up Crime, DA Says NY Nursing Home Employee Sexually Assaulted Resident, Boss Covered Up Crime, DA Says
NY Nursing Home Employee Sexually Assaulted Resident, Boss Covered Up Crime, DA Says A former employee at a New York nursing home accused of sexually assaulting a resident had multiple complaints against him, yet his boss actively worked to conceal his abuse, prosecutors allege. The assault occurred at Long Island’s Fulton Commons Care Center, located in East Meadow, according to an indictment announced by Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday, Nov. 30. Prosecutors said Daniel Persaud, a former licensed practical nurse at Fulton Commons, sexually assaulted a female resident in the fall of 2020. According to the indictment, the facility’s director of nursing, Carol F…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
COVID-19: Westchester County Health Dept. To Distribute 5,600 Air Purifiers To Area Schools COVID-19: Westchester County Health Dept. To Distribute 5,600 Air Purifiers To Area Schools
Covid-19: Westchester County Health Dept. To Distribute 5,600 Air Purifiers To Area Schools Health officials in Westchester County are set to distribute thousands of air purifiers to area school districts this month in an effort to protect students, teachers, and staff from COVID-19. The Westchester County Department of Health will distribute more than 5,600 air purifiers to 31 school districts in October, county officials announced on Tuesday, Oct. 4. The health department purchased Fellowes AeraMax Pro AM3S PC Air Purifiers, which health officials reported are "proven to remove over 99.99% of COVID-19 particles from the air." The department used $5.2 million in federal fun…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
First Case Of Monkeypox Confirmed In New Capital Region County First Case Of Monkeypox Confirmed In New Capital Region County
First Case Of Monkeypox Confirmed In New Capital Region County Health officials have confirmed the first case of monkeypox in Rensselaer County. The case involves a county resident who recently traveled out of state, the Rensselaer County Health Department revealed Friday, Sept. 23. No further details on the person’s condition were provided. Health officials were monitoring the resident and helping to ensure their care, the department said. As of Friday, Sept. 23, a total of 3,802 cases of monkeypox had been confirmed across New York, including five in Albany County and one in Schenectady County, according to the state health department.  The …

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by Michael Mashburn
News
NY Declares Polio State Of Emergency After Virus Detected In Several New Counties NY Declares Polio State Of Emergency After Virus Detected In Several New Counties
NY Declares Polio State Of Emergency After Virus Detected In Several New Counties New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency Friday, Sept. 9, after polio was found in more wastewater samples. The executive order will immediately expand the network of polio vaccine administrators with the addition of EMS workers, midwives, and pharmacies. It also authorizes doctors and certified nurse practitioners to issue standing orders for polio vaccines, the governor's office said. We're making it easier for New Yorkers to get their polio vaccine if they haven't already received it.@HealthNYGov is ramping up its vaccination efforts and EMTs, midwives, and pha…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
COVID-19: New Booster Shots Targeting Omicron Variant Approved By FDA COVID-19: New Booster Shots Targeting Omicron Variant Approved By FDA
Covid-19: New Booster Shots Targeting Omicron Variant Approved By FDA It’s time to roll up your sleeve and get another COVID-19 vaccine. On Wednesday, Aug. 31, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated versions of COVID booster shots made by Pfizer and Moderna that target the highly contagious BA.5 Omicron subvariant. The updated vaccine boosters are designed to give people broad protection against COVID and can help protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death, the FDA said in a statement. Pfizer’s modified booster was authorized for people ages 12 and older, while Moderna’s shot was approved for those 18 and up. People who…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan Tests Positive For COVID-19 Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan Tests Positive For COVID-19
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan Tests Positive For Covid-19 Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan has tested positive for COVID-19. Sheehan began experiencing mild, allergy-like symptoms late Sunday night, Aug. 28, and tested positive Monday morning, Aug. 29, the mayor revealed in a statement. “I am thankful I am fully vaccinated and boosted because as we have learned over the past two-plus years, my symptoms could be far worse,” Sheehan said. The mayor went on to say that consistent with CDC and state health department protocols, she would be isolating for at least the next five days before reassessing her symptoms. This morning, I tested positive for …

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Polio Virus Identified In Wastewater Samples Taken In Two Locations In Hudson Valley Polio Virus Identified In Wastewater Samples Taken In Two Locations In Hudson Valley
Polio Virus Identified In Wastewater Samples Taken In Two Locations In Hudson Valley State health officials have confirmed that the polio virus was found in more wastewater samples in the Hudson Valley. The Orange County Department of Health said it has been advised by the state health department that the virus was identified in wastewater samples taken from June and July in two geographically different locations in Orange County. Earlier Report: Polio Found In Wastewater In Rockland County, Health Dept. Urges Vaccinations The samples were initially collected from municipal wastewater treatment plants across Orange County for COVID-19 testing. County officials said there…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
NY Declares Monkeypox 'Imminent Threat To Public Health' Amid New Rise In Cases NY Declares Monkeypox 'Imminent Threat To Public Health' Amid New Rise In Cases
NY Declares Monkeypox 'Imminent Threat To Public Health' Amid New Rise In Cases Amid a new increase in cases in New York, the state's health commissioner has declared the monkeypox virus "an imminent threat to public health." "Based on the ongoing spread of this virus, which has increased rapidly and affected primarily communities that identify as men who have sex with men, and the need for local jurisdictions to administer vaccines, I've declared monkeypox an Imminent Threat to Public Health throughout New York State," State Commissioner of Health Dr. Mary T. Bassett said.  The dedication means local health departments will be able to access additional state reim…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
'Significant' Cancer Levels Discovered In NY School District, Report Says 'Significant' Cancer Levels Discovered In NY School District, Report Says
'Significant' Cancer Levels Discovered In NY School District, Report Says A study has found that people living near or who attend school in a New York school district had "significant" higher cancer incidents. The study found the number of residents of all ages living within the Northport-East Northport School District had a "statistically significant," higher rate of cancer, reported ABC 7 Eyewitness News. The types of cancer found in excess included pancreatic cancer, malignant melanoma of the skin, uterine (corpus) cancer, and prostate cancer," the study said. The study also found that people living within the area of Northport Middle School had particularly …

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by Kathy Reakes
News
New Monkeypox Cases Confirmed In NY New Monkeypox Cases Confirmed In NY
New Monkeypox Cases Confirmed In NY New monkeypox cases have been identified in New York. The New York State Department of Health said on Monday, June 13 that the number of confirmed cases this year is 11, with 10 in New York City and one in Sullivan County. The cases have been confirmed through testing for orthopoxvirus, the department said, adding that "from a public health perspective, it's important to treat these as probable monkeypox cases because": The monkeypox virus belongs to the orthopoxvirus family; The rarity of orthopoxvirus, generally; The presentation of symptoms, in confirmed orthopoxvirus cases, being cons…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
First Probable Monkeypox Case In New York State Outside NYC Confirmed In Region First Probable Monkeypox Case In New York State Outside NYC Confirmed In Region
First Probable Monkeypox Case In New York State Outside NYC Confirmed In Region State health officials have confirmed the first case of monkeypox outside New York City has been diagnosed in a patient in the region.  The infected person is located in Sullivan County, the first case beyond NYC, the New York State Department of Health announced on Tuesday, June 7. The Sullivan County Health Department is treating this as a probable monkeypox case, and contact tracing efforts are underway, department of health officials aid. As of Tuesday, a total of nine confirmed orthopoxvirus/monkeypox cases have been identified in the state, including eight in New York City. "As…

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by Kathy Reakes