From

Phyllis D. Ellis, FACHE
Director of Health

Dear Community Partners,
The rare respiratory virus known as Enterovirus D68, or EV-D68, is part of the family of viruses that
includes the common cold and continues to cause severe respiratory illness in hundreds of children across
about a dozen states. The virus likely spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs,
sneezes, or touches contaminated surfaces, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There are confirmed laboratory cases of Enterovirus D68 in Central New York and the Oneida County
Health Department and the county’s hospitals are prepared to respond if the virus presents in Oneida County.
There are no vaccines for preventing EV-D68, however, there are ways to help reduce the risk of infection.
You can help protect yourself and those you serve from respiratory illnesses by following these steps:
ï‚· Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds;
ï‚· Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
ï‚· Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick;
ï‚· Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick; and
ï‚· Stay out of crowds, and home from work or school, if you feel ill.
Most children infected with this virus will appear to have a cold, with runny nose, sneezing and cough, which
will resolve itself with rest and symptom management. There are not any antiviral medications available to
treat the virus. Some children, especially those with asthma and other health problems, are at higher risk of
complications and may need to be hospitalized to receive intensive treatment of the symptoms. Since those
with asthma are higher risk for respiratory illnesses, they should regularly take prescribed medicines and
maintain control of their illness during this time, with their health care provider. They should also take
advantage of influenza vaccine since children and adults with asthma have a difficult time with respiratory
illnesses.
The Oneida County Health Department has formed an internal response team to monitor guidance from the
New York State Department of Health and the CDC to coordinate a response with external partners.
Surveillance activities are ongoing to identify potential outbreaks. Schools should treat this the same way
they treat flu in regards to absenteeism policies.
For additional Information, please view the CDC link www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/ev68.

The Oriskany Fire Department is hosting a EMS Intranasal Naloxone use class Thursday September 17 at 7PM at the Oriskany Fire Station.  Questions contact Oriskany Unit 4 Jeff Midlam

In light of the upcoming National and New York State changes to electronic PCRs, and information that emsCharts users will soon need to consider other e-PCR vendors, Midstate EMS is taking this opportunity to explore how a more regionally coordinated e-PCR system may be a better approach to collecting and coordinating EMS data for the Region. To that end, Midstate has invited Image Trend – the e-PCR vendor used by other EMS Regions in NYS, the NYS Bureau of EMS and Trauma, and over 30 other States across the Country – to provide a demonstration of its products and capabilities to the EMS services of the Midstate Region. The demonstration will be at the Regional EMS Offices 1705 Burrstone Road, Tuesday September 16 at 7PM.

EMS/Fire Responders will develop a new level of situational awareness and increase both your crew and personal safety. The 2 hour program will take place at the Midstate EMS Offices 1705 Burrstone Road, New Hartford at 7PM on Wednesday September 17.  Topics will include terrorism threat overview and attack cycles, Signs and Behaviors associated with terrorism, Haz MAt, Explosives, Clandestine Labs.

Critical Care and Paramedic Providers Registration for November Rapid Re-Cert Program is Monday September 15.  Contact Dan for questions or to register: dan@midstateems.dreamhosters.com or contact Bill 738-8351

Fall EMS Teaching Day has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 30, 2014, at Crouse Hospital.  Please see announcement and agenda.  This is a free collaborative learning/CME event sponsored by Crouse Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital and CNYEMS.

To register, contact Shirley Procopio (315-470-7308 or email shirleyprocopio@crouse.org no later than 9-26-14.

Agencies are requested to please pick up backboards, straps, etc. at all Midstate Hospitals.  Thanks, Faxton St. Luke’s, Oneida Healthcare, Rome Memorial, Community Memorial, Little Falls and St. Elizabeth Medical Center.