April 22-29 is National Infant Immunization Week. National Infant Immunization Week is a yearly observation that highlights the importance of protecting infants from birth to two years of age from serious childhood diseases.

Vaccines, a successful public health tool, have greatly reduced infant deaths and disability caused by 14 preventable diseases like measles, mumps, whooping cough, chickenpox, and polio.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on-time vaccinations throughout childhood help provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Delaying vaccines leaves children unprotected during the time when they need vaccine protection the most.

“Children who may have missed or skipped vaccinations may be at an increased risk of diseases, which can be serious,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).

“It is important to stay on track with well-child visits and recommended vaccination schedules. Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your children are up to date on their routine vaccinations.”

For more information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent, visit these resources:

• Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html 
• Vaccines for Your Children https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/ 
• The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Parenting Website https://www.healthychildren.org 

For more information on GO Health’s Immunization Clinics or to set up an appointment, visit GOHealthNY.org. You can also contact your respective health department:

• Genesee County- 585-344-2580 x5555 or Health@co.genesee.ny.us 
• Orleans County- 585-589-3278 or OCPublicHealth@orleanscountyny.gov 

Follow GO Health on Facebook, Instagram and X at GOHealthNY.

April 14-20 is Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Awareness Week. This provides an opportunity to raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and how they impact our lives.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sexually transmitted infections, commonly referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are very common. STIs spread through anal, oral, and vaginal sex, and are caused by a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite. Sometimes, STIs only create minor symptoms, or they don't cause any symptoms at all. As a result, it is easy to get infected without realizing it. For this reason, if you are having sex, it is important that you get tested for STIs.

Locally, according to the New York State Communicable Disease Electronic Surveillance System (CDESS), in 2023, Genesee County had an increased number of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cases, compared to 2022 and Orleans County experienced an increase in gonorrhea during this same time period.

A variety of symptoms, including none at all, may occur with STIs. As a result, STIs can be spread unknowingly and this is why it is important to get tested. Delayed treatment can cause serious health effects. STI symptoms could be: 

• Sores or pimples in the oral or rectal cavity, as well as on the genitalia
• Painful urination
• Unusual or smelly discharge
• Unusual bleeding
• Discomfort during intercourse
• Aches in the lower abdomen
• High temperature
• Rash on the hands, feet, or trunk

Taking the time to learn about STIs, safe-sex practices, and how to make educated decisions is important in prevention. Here are some ways to prevent STIs:

• The best defense against STI infection is to avoid all forms of sex (oral, vaginal, and anal).
• Talk to your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated against Hepatitis B and HPV. Receiving both vaccines can prevent several kinds of cancer. HPV is the most common STI in the country, affecting over 79 million people.
• Limit sexual partners. The more sexual partners a person has the more at risk of getting an STI.
• Discuss your partner(s)’ STI status.
• Use condoms and or other forms of protection.

“As indicated or needed, make sure you routinely test for STIs,” stated Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Untreated STIs can have effects such as infection, miscarriage, infertility, and an increased risk of cancer. By engaging in preventative measures, you are protecting yourself and your sexual partners.” 

Learn how to prevent STIs for both you and your partner(s). Get help today.

If you are interested in STI testing or want more information:

• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sexually Transmitted Diseases - Information from CDC.
• Talk with your healthcare provider about testing and how to further prevent STIs.
• If diagnosed with an STI, do not have sex until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment, otherwise, reinfection will occur.
• If diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis, talk to your provider about Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT). EPT gives providers the option to treat your sexual partners without requiring an examination.

For more information about GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at:

• Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 
• Orleans County: 585-589-3278

Follow GO Health on Facebook, Instagram, and X at GOHealthNY.

The Genesee County Health Department is seeking information about the location of a dog and its owner following a dog bite incident on Monday, April 1. The incident occurred at Centennial Park (151 State Street) in Batavia, NY. 

The owner was a middle-aged male with a reddish beard and black glasses. The dog involved in the incident was described as a black and tan German Shepard with a harness that was running loose in the park.   

The health department would like to locate the dog as soon as possible to confirm that it is healthy. This would indicate that the rabies virus would not have been transmitted at the time of the bite. 

If you have information about the location of the dog and its owner, please contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555.

The Genesee County Health Department is seeking information about the location of a dog and its owner following a dog bite incident on Sunday, March 31. The incident occurred at Crosby’s (6890 Byron Holley Road) in Byron.

The owner was a male with a medium build. He had two dogs on flex leashes. The dog involved in the incident was described as a mixed breed, mostly white, with long hair, and medium-sized on a retractable leash.

The health department is trying to avoid unnecessary medical treatment for the victim, so it is important to locate the dog. If the dog is identified, the health department will request that the owner confine the dog at their residence for a ten-day observation period to monitor for symptoms of rabies. 

If the dog remains healthy following the biting incident, it is then determined that there was no risk of rabies transmission through the saliva at the time of the bite incident. Post-exposure rabies vaccinations will not be
recommended for the victim. If the status of the dog cannot be identified, post-exposure rabies shots will be recommended to the victim.

If you have information about the location of the dog and its owner, please contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555.

Have you ever wondered why someone vapes even after learning about the dangers and effects from it? 

There are hidden facts behind the range of colors and flavors associated with e-cigarettes. From addictive nicotine to harmful chemicals, the dangers of vaping are real. It is time to clear the air and learn about the risks of vaping.

Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, heat a liquid to create an aerosol, or mixture of tiny particles in the air.

There are many different names for e-cigarettes, including "electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)," "tank systems," "e-cigs," "e-hookahs," "mods" "vape pens," and "vapes."

The Public Health Law's Article 13-E, sometimes referred to as the Clean Indoor Air Act, has grown in New York State to ban smoking and vaping; and prohibit the sale or distribution of nicotine vapor products with unique flavors, such as e-cigarettes. 

However, the use of e-cigarettes by teenagers is on the rise, and the sale of these devices to teenagers is illegal.

According to the 2021 CLYDE Survey administered in schools in Genesee and Orleans Counties by UConnectCare (formally GCASA), it was reported that 19.7% of 11th graders reported vaping with nicotine in the previous 30 days, and 11.1% reported vaping with marijuana during the same time period.

Vaping is dangerous and can have unknown long-term impacts: 

• Nicotine is in most e-cigarettes and is extremely addictive. Nicotine can damage adolescent brain development, which lasts into the early to mid-20s. 
• Youth who use nicotine have a higher chance of developing a substance use disorder.
• Young people might see vaping as a way to cope with stress or anxiety. Yet, an addiction to nicotine can lead to stress. 
• Long-term e-cigarette use increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by severely harming the body's blood vessel function. 
• According to the American Psychiatric Association, having symptoms of depression increases the likelihood of a teen using e-cigarettes. Using e-cigarettes is associated with worsening symptoms of depression.
• Vaping devices may contain vitamin E acetate. According to research, inhaling vitamin E acetate may cause problems for normal lung function. 

“Unlike cigarettes, vaping is often easy to hide due to its discrete nature, stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “The devices used for vaping sometimes look like USB drives or pens. E-cigarettes also do not have a lingering odor, making it easier for individuals to vape without drawing attention. This causes challenges to parents, teachers, and other authorities to detect and stop vaping.”

Signs that your child or someone you know might be vaping include: 

• Increased Thirst. Vaping is hydroscopic, which means that it dehydrates the skin of the throat and mouth. People who vape are left with a dry mouth as a result. The body naturally wants a drink to fight dehydration as a result. 
• Among teenagers, JUULs, which are slim devices that look like USB flash drives, and vape pens that mimic regular pens, are the most popular e-cigarettes. If you come across an odd-looking pen or USB drive, it could possibly be an e-cigarette.
• Mood swings. After inhaling nicotine, users may get a brief rush, but this feeling quickly wears off making their mood less consistent. 

Get Help Today

If you are interested in quitting, or someone you know needs help quitting, help is available:

Visit the New York State Smokers' Quitline for quit-smoking and quit-vaping programs, or call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487), to apply for a free starter kit of nicotine medications and to talk to a quit coach.

Talk to your healthcare provider about medications and counseling to help you manage cravings. Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover services to help you quit.

For more information about GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at:

• Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 
• Orleans County: 585-589-3278

Follow GO Health on Facebook, Instagram, and X at GOHealthNY.

Did you know lead poisoning is 100% preventable? 

“Lead is a metal that is toxic to our bodies and can cause serious health issues for children who have been exposed,” stated Gabrielle Lanich, Lead Program Coordinator of Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Young children under 6 years old are most at risk for lead poisoning because their bodies are rapidly developing.” 

The health effects of lead poisoning are permanent and can affect a child into adulthood. Childhood lead poisoning can harm the brain and nervous system leading to learning difficulties, lower IQ, difficulty paying attention, organ damage, and at very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal. 

Lead poisoning can also be dangerous for pregnant women because lead can be passed to the baby during pregnancy.

Here are some easy ways to prevent lead poisoning: 

• Take everyday steps to stay healthy. Eating a well-balanced diet, especially foods high in calcium, iron, and vitamin C can help reduce the body’s absorption of lead. Washing your hands and children’s hands with soap and water several times a day can help limit lead exposure. You should also wash children’s toys, bottles, and pacifiers regularly to avoid exposure to lead dust, and regularly clean your home with a damp cloth, sponge, or mop to minimize possible lead dust. 
• Check your home for lead. If you live in a home built before 1978 you may consider having your home checked for lead. Our Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming (GLOW) Counties Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) may be able to help you with this. You may qualify for a home lead inspection if your home is in the GLOW area, was built before 1978, and a child under 6 lives there or spends more than 6 hours a week there.
• Renovate lead safe. Homes built before 1978 are more likely to have lead-based paint that can be disturbed when renovating. If you are renovating, repairing, or painting a home built before 1978, use a Lead-Safe Certified contractor. If you are planning on doing your own work, use lead-safe work practices to protect both you and your family. For tips on how to be lead-safe when renovating visit https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-safe-renovations-diyers. Also, our GLOW Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Program may be able to renovate for you. Contact the Genesee County Health Department to see if you qualify.
• Get your child tested. The only way to find out if there is lead in a child’s blood is to take them for a blood lead test. There are no obvious signs or symptoms of lead poisoning, that’s why it’s important to get them tested. Children should be tested at ages 1 and 2. Talk with your pediatrician to determine if your child should be tested further. GLOW CLPPP is able to offer transportation to lead testing at no cost for parents or guardians and children under 6 years old. Contact the Genesee County Health Department to determine if you are eligible for this service.

For more information or to learn more about our programs contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 or Health.GOlead@co.genesee.ny.us. You can also visit GOHealthNY.org.

Press Release:

The goal of National Public Health Week (April 1-7) is to recognize the contributions of public health and its workforce as well as highlight issues that can improve the health and well-being of our communities. This year’s public health theme is Protecting, Connecting, and Thriving: We Are All Public Health.

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) take steps daily to protect our communities, connect with our partners, and help the citizens of our communities thrive. 

We support and implement programs and interventions that address emerging health issues and topics including but not limited to chronic diseases, suicides, substance use disorders, overdose deaths, communicable diseases, maternal and child health, a safe environment, and social determinants of health. 

We build strong and effective working relationships with community and healthcare partners and strive to make our communities as healthy as they can be. 

“We are proud to serve the residents of Genesee and Orleans Counties,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “To mark National Public Health Week, we would like to thank our dedicated team at GO Health and our partners for their contributions to enhancing the well-being and quality of life of our residents.”

As individuals, families, communities, and public health workers, we are all interconnected and when we come together, we can achieve the goals of a healthy and thriving community. 

GO Health invites residents of Genesee and Orleans Counties to celebrate National Public Health Week by participating in activities that promote personal well-being and foster a healthier, safer community. 

Some suggestions include:

• Try to eat more fruits and vegetables. Drink more water. 
• Be active. Find a new activity that you enjoy doing.
• Commit to getting enough sleep. Adults should get at least 7 hours a night of sleep.
• Quit smoking and vaping. Call the New York State (NYS) Quitline at 1-866-697-8487 for more information.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Make sure you are up-to-date on routine screenings for colorectal (colon) cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer.
• Make sure you and your children stay up-to-date on routine immunizations.
• Stay away from wildlife, including injured animals and pets that are not yours, to reduce your risk of rabies. Love your own, leave the rest alone.
• Keep your pets up-to-date on their rabies vaccination.
• Get your children tested for lead at ages 1 and 2. The only way to find out if your children have been exposed to lead is through a blood test.
• Ensure your children visit their pediatrician regularly for well-child visits to track their growth and development.
• Create a family emergency plan and build an emergency supply kit.
• Learn how to administer Naloxone (Narcan), a nasal spray that can be used to reverse an opioid overdose. Narcan is available for free from the Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming Opioid Task Force by texting “Kit” to 1-877-535-2461.
• To support your mental health, connect with others. Make time for the important relationships in your life. If you need help, reach out to the Care & Crisis Line at 585-283-5200.
• Focus on self-care. Practice mindfulness, meditate, or try yoga to help relieve stress.

For more information on GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your health department at:

• Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
• Orleans County: 585-589-3278

Follow GO Health on Facebook, Instagram, and X at GOHealthNY.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year and approximately 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked. 

“Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that seeps into your home through cracks in the foundation, walls, and joints. It can be found in well water and in dirt floors. Whether your home has a basement, sits on a slab, is brand-new or old, radon can build up and go undetected. Testing your home can prevent serious health risks” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).

According to the Lung Association’s State of Lung Cancer Report, an estimated 13.9% of New York radon test results equal or exceed the EPA Action level of 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). 

Nationally, 21.8% of homes are at or above the action level. Through New York State testing, Genesee County has been identified as having a high average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L.

New York State does not require homes to undergo radon testing prior to being sold and awareness about the importance of radon testing among potential homeowners may be limited. 

As a result, it falls on the buyer to ask about the property’s radon test results as part of the sales contract or to request that a radon test be conducted if it has not been completed within the past two years.

Here are some things to consider when negotiating a home sales contract: 

• Who will conduct the radon test? 
• What type of test should be done?
• How will the results be shared?
• If mitigation is necessary, due to an elevated result, who will pay?

If the home has been tested for radon, find out from the seller, who conducted the test, where in the home the test was taken, and when the test was completed. 

If the home has a radon reduction system already installed, make sure you get all the information about the system from the seller before the final sale.

If you are building a home, be sure to discuss radon-resistant features and costs with your contractor. Your contractor has the opportunity to construct a radon-resistant home easily and economically. 

It is more cost-effective to install radon-resistant features while building a home than to install a radon-reduction system in an existing home.

For more information about radon, contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 x5555 or Health@co.genesee.ny.us.

Resources:

• Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-05/documents/hmbuygud.pdf
• Radon and Real Estate Resources https://www.epa.gov/radon/radon-and-real-estate-resources
• Radon-Resistant New Construction for Home Buyers https://www.epa.gov/radon/radon-resistant-new-construction-home-buyers
• Central New York Coalition for Healthy Indoor Air http://www.cnyhealthyair.org/ 

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), working with the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) and the New York State Department of Special Education is hosting a workshop “Transition Planning: Life After High School”.  

Designed for the young people living in Genesee or Orleans County between the ages of 13 and 21 with a disability or special health care need and their parents, it will take place from 9 - 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30 at the ILGR office, 319 West Main Street at the Crickler Executive Business Center in Batavia.

Attendees will gain information on how to plan for life after high school. Learn what questions to ask, ideas for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), options, supports, and services that are available for them. A light breakfast will be provided.

Seating is limited and pre-registration is required by calling April Fearby, Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program Specialist at 585-815-8501, extension 401, or emailing her at afearby@wnyil.org.

“This event is funded by the New York State Department of Health using federal Health Resources and Services Administration Title V funding. The opinions, results, findings, and/or interpretations of content contained therein are the responsibility of the Contractor and do not necessarily represent the opinions, interpretations, or policy of the State or Federal funding agency.”

With traveling increasing for Spring Break, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are encouraging residents to check their measles vaccination status. 

If you are not up-to-date on the measles vaccine, contact your healthcare provider and get vaccinated. Cases of measles are increasing worldwide and in the United States.

Measles is typically brought to the United States by unvaccinated people who contract the virus by traveling to other countries. However, measles outbreaks are occurring more regularly in the United States. 

In 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported measles cases in 16 states including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington. 

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and is easily spread through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air and on surfaces for many hours, even after the infected person has left the area. 

Infected people can spread measles to others from 4 days before through 4 days after the rash appears.

Measles symptoms typically include: 

• High fever (may spike to more than 104°)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Rash (3-5 days after symptoms begin)

“Getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine series is the best way to prevent measles,” stated Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services for GO Health. “As many families are planning to travel in the upcoming weeks, it is important to know your vaccination status. The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect you and your family from measles.”

GO Health advises residents to check their vaccination status with their healthcare provider. Children, adolescents, and adults should have two doses of the MMR vaccine, at least 28 days apart. Unvaccinated individuals should contact their healthcare provider to see if the measles vaccine is right for them. 

If you haven’t completed the MMR vaccine series and are traveling soon, there is still time to receive a vaccination to protect yourself and your loved ones against the virus. 

One dose of the MMR vaccine is about 93% effective and two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles.

GO Health offers the vaccine to individuals who are underinsured and uninsured and you can call your respective health department to schedule an appointment. For more information on measles, visit the CDC.

For more information on GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your health department at: 

• Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
• Orleans County: 585-589-3278

Follow GO Health on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at GOHealthNY.