Press Releases

A bat has tested positive for rabies in Rome. The bat was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center for testing on April 14, 2026 and positive results were reported on April 17, 2026. Two people were exposed to the bat and are receiving post-exposure prophylaxis.

The Oneida County Health Department announced car seat safety events that will be co-hosted with the Sheriff’s Office.
The events will take place at the following locations and times:

*Deerfield Volunteer Fire Company, 5476 Trenton Road, Utica on May 28 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
*Griffiss International Airport (Airport Operations Building), 706 Hangar Road, Rome on June 11 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Free car seats will be available to eligible parents/legal guardians who are in need of a car seat. Appointments are required. For those already in possession of a car seat, a certified technician can be available to check that it is installed properly, also by appointment only. There are no eligibility requirements for car seat checks.

The Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) announced today that it has scheduled a rabies vaccination clinic on April 10, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Town of Trenton Offices.
Appointments are required for the clinic and can be made by calling 315-798-5064 or online at oneidacountyny.gov/rabies. The following guidelines apply:

•Dogs and cats need to be vaccinated at 3 months old, 1 year later, and then once every 3 years.
•NYS Public Health Law requires all cats, dogs, and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months old, and regular booster shots even if they stay indoors.
•Pets will receive a 1-year certificate if no proof of prior rabies vaccination is shown.
•Ferrets must be vaccinated every year.
•Dogs, cats, and ferrets must be on a leash, or in a carrier.
•No exams will be given.
•A $10 donation per pet is requested to help with costs.

The Oneida County Health Department announced car seat safety events that will be co-hosted with the Sheriff’s Office.

The events will take place at the following locations and times:

• Deerfield Volunteer Fire Company, 5476 Trenton Road, Utica on March 31 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Griffiss International Airport (Airport Operations Building), 706 Hangar Road, Rome on April 9 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

As of November 3, 2025, New York State implemented the Lead Rental Registry requiring property owners (landlords) to inspect and repair lead hazards per Public Health Law Section 1377. This law applies specifically to 25 identified communities with the highest rates of childhood lead poisoning, including the City of Utica and the City of Rome.

In early December, New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) declared influenza (flu) prevalent. As of December 20, 2025, cases in New York State increased by 38% from the previous week and 61% increase in hospitalizations. Oneida County has 1,161 reported flu cases as of December 20, 2025.

“The flu can be very serious, especially for the elderly, the young and those who have compromised immunities. There are things we can all do to help prevent the spread of this illness,” stated Anthony J. Picente Jr., Oneida County Executive. Good hygiene habits can help reduce the spread of the flu and other respiratory illnesses.