Emerging Issues

Community Water Fluoridation

Community Water Fluoridation is the process of optimizing fluoride levels in drinking water to prevent cavities. This public health measure benefits the entire community by promoting oral health, reducing disparities, and lowering dental care costs.  For more information on community water fluoridation, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Resources

CDC: Communities Benefit from Water Fluoridation Infographic

New York State Department of Health: Fluoride is Nature’s Way to Fight Tooth Decay

CDC: How does Fluoride Work Poster?

National Institutes of Health (NIH): Fluoride- Factsheet for Health Professionals

NIH Fluoride Fact Sheet for Consumers

John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: Why Fluoride is Necessary for Public Health

American Dental Association: Fluoridation Facts

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

Community Effectiveness of Public Water Fluoridation in Reducing Children’s Dental Disease

Geographic Variation in Medical Claims for Dental Procedures in New York State: Role of Fluoridation Under Contemporary Conditions

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A is referred to as H5N1, avian influenza, H5 bird flu, and commonly “bird flu”. HPAI is widespread in wild birds worldwide and H5N1 is causing outbreaks in dairy and poultry workers in the United States (U.S.).

Learn more

• For general information visit the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)
• Learn from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the current situation in the U.S., including the number of human cases, detections in animals, and risk to the public.
• The NYSDOH has Guidance for Farmworkers
• Poultry owners – Report sick birds to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets at 518-447-3502
• Dead wild birds can be reported to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) using the NYSDEC Avian Influenza Reporting Form

Not all reports will result in DEC retrieving the animals for testing and/or disposal. The public can help minimize risk and limit disease spread by preventing contact between domestic animals and wild birds. In cases where DEC field staff are not responding to collect samples or carcasses from the landscape, the public should limit contact with dead wildlife and keep domestic animals away. If removal of carcasses is deemed necessary, the public is reminded to wear disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection. Avoid direct contact with the carcass or carcass fluids by using a shovel and washing hands and clothing immediately after with soap and hot water. Carcasses should be triple bagged (garbage or contractor bags) and placed in an outdoor trash receptacle.

Measles is a respiratory disease that causes cough, runny nose, fever, rash, red or watery eyes (conjunctivitis), and white spots on the inside of the mouth (Koplik’s spots). Measles can cause serious and sometimes permanent health complications, even death, especially in children younger than five years old.

Measles is extremely contagious – 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people nearby will get infected. You can catch measles by breathing in the virus or by touching an infected surface and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. You can also become infected just by entering a room that an infected person was in up to two hours before you.

The best defense to protect you, your family, and the community is to be vaccinated. Contact your primary care provider, a local pharmacy, or your local health department to ask about getting your MMR vaccine. Maintaining a 95% or greater community vaccination coverage is needed to create “herd immunity,” which protects vulnerable members of our community such as infants who are too young to be vaccinated themselves.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective in preventing all three of these diseases. One dose of the MMR vaccine is 94% effective at preventing measles infection, and two doses are 97% effective.

• See a snapshot of the benefits of vaccines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and learn more about the MMR vaccine.
• Get a ‘Measles Update’ from the New York State Department of Health that provides cases confirmed in NYS in 2025, general information including how to protect yourself and others, local vaccination rates, and public health response.
• 4/2/2025 – NYSDOH Meacles Travel Advisory for All New Yorkers
• Get weekly updates on measles cases and outbreaks in the United States from the CDC.

Healthcare providers should be alert for potential cases, and test for measles in patients presenting with rash and fever, cough, conjunctivitis, and coryza, especially if they have traveled to or from areas with known measles outbreaks.

For additional guidance on how to respond when suspecting measles, refer to the resources provided by the New York State Department of Health, especially the most recent Health Advisory Notice, and notify the local health department immediately.

• Genesee County Health Department, (585) 344-2580 x5555
• Orleans County Health Department, (585) 589-3265

Other Resources: 

• 4/2/2025- NYSDOH Measles Travel Advisory for All New Yorkers
• 3/4/2025- CDC Health Alert: Expanding Measles Outbreak in the U.S. and Guidance for the Upcoming Travel Season
• Refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding MMR vaccination practices for different populations.
• American Academy of Pediatrics Project Firstline- Think Measles
• CDC Guidance for Healthcare Personnel who may have been exposed to measles