Tag

Erie County

All articles tagged with #erie county

health1 year ago

Erie County Faces Largest Pertussis Outbreak in Six Years

Erie County has experienced its largest pertussis outbreak since 2012, with 15 cases reported in September, primarily linked to a church where many were unvaccinated. This rise in whooping cough cases mirrors a national trend, with over 20,000 cases reported in the U.S. this year, up from 4,559 in 2023. Factors contributing to the increase include more testing, potential bacterial mutation, and vaccine hesitancy. Health officials emphasize vaccination as the best prevention, with a recommended schedule for children and booster shots for adults.

politics1 year ago

"The Voting Patterns of a Pivotal Swing County in a Swing State"

Erie County in Pennsylvania, known as a "boomerang county" for swinging between Democrat and Republican support, is closely watched for insights into national elections. With a history of narrow margins, the county's voters reflect diverse perspectives, with some shifting allegiances based on issues and candidates. Both parties are focused on boosting voter turnout, with Democrats leveraging mail-in voting advantages and Republicans facing skepticism due to misinformation about fraud. The county's political dynamics offer a microcosm of the broader national debate on voting methods and party strategies.

astronomy1 year ago

"2024 Solar Eclipse: Viewing Opportunities in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Beyond"

On April 8, a total solar eclipse will pass over North America and Mexico, with the path of totality limited to specific areas. In Pennsylvania, Erie, Crawford, Warren, and Mercer counties will experience a total solar eclipse. Erie's viewing times are as follows: partial eclipse begins at 2:02 p.m., totality begins at 3:16 p.m., and partial eclipse ends at 4:30 p.m. Most of Pennsylvania will have excellent viewing, with NASA's Eclipse Explorer providing an interactive map of the entire path of totality.

health1 year ago

Hepatitis A Alert: Erie County Restaurant Diners Advised to Watch for Symptoms

Health officials in Erie County are advising individuals who dined at the Cracker Barrel at 7810 Interstate Drive to watch for symptoms of Hepatitis A after a confirmed case in a restaurant employee. Symptoms can appear two to seven weeks after exposure, and those who visited the restaurant between January 30 and February 21, 2024, are urged to be vigilant. Cracker Barrel has taken measures to ensure the safety of guests and staff at the affected location, and the health department is providing vaccinations and setting up vaccine events for those potentially exposed.

health1 year ago

"Erie County Restaurant Worker Diagnosed with Hepatitis A"

A case of Hepatitis A has been identified in a restaurant worker at Cracker Barrel in Erie County, prompting the health department to advise customers who visited the restaurant between Jan. 30 and Feb. 21 to watch for symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary. Dine-in and take-out customers from Feb. 10 to 21 are urged to get the hepatitis A vaccine as a precaution. The restaurant is following cleaning and employee health guidelines, and anyone with questions can contact the Erie County Health Department or Pennsylvania Department of Health.

weather2 years ago

"Deadly Lake-Effect Snowstorm Prompts Travel Advisories in Erie and Jefferson Counties"

Three storm-related deaths have occurred in Erie County, New York, as a result of the ongoing winter storm, with a 64-year-old man and a 41-year-old man among the victims. Additionally, a 57-year-old woman was found deceased next to her snowblower. County Executive Mark Poloncarz confirmed the deaths and stated that they are all attributed to the storm, while also noting that there were no confirmed storm-related deaths on Wednesday.

tragedy2 years ago

Tragic Suicide of Pennsylvania News Anchor Shocks Community

Emily Matson, a longtime news anchor for Erie News Now in Pennsylvania, died by suicide after being struck by a train. Matson, 42, had worked for the news station for nearly two decades and was known for her genuine and professional approach to journalism. Her death has left her colleagues and friends devastated, with many sharing heartfelt tributes to her on social media. Matson is remembered as a dedicated journalist who had a passion for storytelling and a deep love for her community.

health2 years ago

Deadly Link: Elephant Tranquilizer Carfentanil Claims Life in Erie County

A recent opioid-related overdose death in Erie County, New York, has been linked to carfentanil, a highly potent drug used to tranquilize elephants. Carfentanil, which is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times stronger than fentanyl, has been found as a cheap filler in cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and other illicit drugs. The discovery of carfentanil in the local drug supply highlights the escalating risks of the opioid epidemic. The Erie County Health Department warns people about the dangers of using any illicit drugs and emphasizes the availability of support, resources, and harm reduction tactics to prevent injury and death. The Medical Examiner's Office has investigated a significant increase in opioid-related overdose deaths, and it is possible that carfentanil may be present in other cases.

health2 years ago

Fatal Overdose in Erie County Linked to Ultra-Potent Drug, 100 Times Stronger than Fentanyl

A death in Erie County, New York, has been linked to carfentanil, an opioid that is 100 times more potent than fentanyl. Carfentanil, typically used as an anesthetic for large animals, has been found mixed with cocaine, meth, and heroin as a cheap filler substance. The county has seen a significant increase in opioid-related overdose deaths in 2023, with a 20% rise compared to the previous year. Authorities are urging people to take precautions and seek support to reduce the risk of fatal harm.

weather2 years ago

Winter Weather Alerts in Effect for Erie and Crawford Counties

Winter weather alerts have been issued for Erie and Crawford Counties, with a Frost Advisory in effect for Erie County and a Freeze Warning in effect for Crawford County. Temperatures as low as 34 degrees in Erie County and 32 degrees or lower in Crawford County could result in frost and freeze formation, potentially damaging outdoor vegetation and crops. Steps should be taken to protect plants and drain outdoor pipes to prevent freezing.

politics2 years ago

Complaint Filed Against County Executive Mark Poloncarz

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz is facing a complaint alleging an improper grant of thousands of dollars to Buffalo's Italian Cultural Center. The complaint suggests that the grant was issued due to Poloncarz's relationship with an official at the center. The Erie County Comptroller's Office has reviewed the contracts and found that all rules were followed, but Poloncarz's opponent in the County Executive's race believes there should have been disclosure of any potential conflict of interest. The opponent is calling for further investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office. Poloncarz denies any physical altercation in his recent domestic incident with his ex-girlfriend.

business2 years ago

Wabtec Strike Threatens Future of Erie's Rail Plant and Workforce

Erie County Executive Brenton Davis expressed concern over alleged developments at the Wabtec plant in Lawrence Park that could lead to its closure, urging the company and the UE 506 union to reach a settlement and allow workers to vote on a contract proposal. The union president, Scott Slawson, stated that there have been no discussions about closing the Erie site during negotiations and remains hopeful for a resolution that meets the needs of the union workers while supporting the local economy. Wabtec emphasized the need for cost competitiveness and labor stability at the Erie site, warning that the union's demands could negatively impact employees and the community. Both sides are set to resume negotiations.

politics2 years ago

National Guard Deployed in Response to Local Leaders' Request for Increased Security Amid Asylum Seeker Influx

Governor Kathy Hochul is deploying National Guard troops to Monroe and Erie Counties in New York at the request of local leaders, following recent alleged sexual assault incidents involving asylum seekers. The National Guard was initially sent to New York City to assist with logistical and operational support for asylum seekers. Monroe County Legislator Mercedes Vazquez-Simmons expressed shock and disappointment at the request, citing the high crime rates in Rochester. She also described her interactions with confused and mistreated asylum-seeking families. It remains unclear if more families will be sent to Monroe County, while Erie County has announced that it will no longer accept asylum seekers.

immigration2 years ago

"Migrant Sex Crime Suspects Expose Controversial NYC Resettlement Plan"

Congressman Nick Langworthy criticizes New York's policies on illegal immigration, citing recent arrests of two asylum seekers accused of rape and sexual assault. Langworthy blames President Biden's open border policies and Albany Democrats' sanctuary state policies for the crisis, calling for strengthened borders and the passage of the Secure the Border Act. He also criticizes former Governor Andrew Cuomo's executive order prohibiting state agencies from inquiring about immigration status, claiming it makes New York a magnet for illegal immigration. Langworthy emphasizes the need for borders to maintain a country's sovereignty.