Columbia County Department of Health

11/02/2026

**RECALL ALERT** Vitality Works Inc. is recalling 365 Whole Foods Market Ashwagandha Capsules due to potential Salmonella contamination. Products sold nationwide.

For the full recall: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/vitality-works-inc-recalls-365-whole-foods-market-ashwagandha-capsules-sold-nationwide-due-potential

**RECALL ALERT** Vitality Works Inc. is recalling 365 Whole Foods Market Ashwagandha Capsules due to potential Salmonella contamination. Products sold nationwide.
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/vitality-works-inc-recalls-365-whole-foods-market-ashwagandha-capsules-sold-nationwide-due-potential?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

11/02/2026

Respiratory Virus Update for October 2026

Respiratory viruses like RSV, influenza and COVID-19 are still active in the community.

During October, Columbia County, NY had:
- 0 cases of RSV with 0 hospitalizations and 0 deaths
- 17 cases of influenza with 1 hospitalizations and 0 deaths
- 20 cases of COVID-19 with 3 hospitalizations and 0 deaths
*Please note that these are laboratory confirmed cases only.

Take caution and practice these prevention strategies:
-Core prevention strategies include immunizations, hygiene, steps for cleaner air, treatment and staying home to prevent spread.
-Additional prevention strategies include wearing masks, distancing, testing and avoiding any contact with sick or dead birds and mammals
-If you are symptomatic for a respiratory virus, follow this guidance from the CDC: Stay home and away from others until, for 24 hours, your symptoms are getting better AND you are fever-free without medication. Then, take added precaution for the next 5 days.

Contact the Columbia County Department of Health (518-828-3358) to schedule respiratory vaccines!

For more information, please visit:CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Frespiratory-viruses%2Fguidance%2Findex.htmlFor
DEC: https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2026/1/dec-reminds-new-yorkers-to-stay-alert-for-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza
CCDOH Respiratory Illness Tracker: https://www.columbiacountyny.gov/369/Respiratory-Illness-Tracker
CDC's Wastewater Monitoring Program: https://www.cdc.gov/wastewater/index.html

10/29/2026

Halloween is a treat (unless you have allergies).
Here are some resources for managing food allergies in schools:
https://www.sophe.org/.../school-guidelines-managing.../

10/29/2026

October is National Bullying Awareness Month, and much of the bullying that occurs these days takes place online. It's not as easy to get away from it as "turning off" the phone or computer. Our lives are so connected to the online world.
If you feel like you are being bullied, tell someone. Don't suffer in silence. Learn more: https://www.stopbullying.gov/

10/29/2026

*RECALL ALERT* Recalled Cold Smoked Sprats due to potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum. It was distributed in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania through retail stores.

For the full recall: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/haifa-smoked-fish-recalls-cold-smoked-sprats-due-potential-health-risk

Do not eat, sell, or serve any cold smoked sprats sold by Haifa Smoked Fish, Inc. due to potential Clostridium botulinum contamination. https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-not-eat-sell-or-serve-cold-smoked-sprats-sold-haifa-smoked-fish-inc

10/29/2026

On Sunday, daylight saving time ends and we'll be turning our clocks back. A good way to remember to test your smoke alarms at least twice a year is to check them when changing your clocks. Taking simple preventative actions can protect you and your family! ready.gov/home-fires

10/29/2026

Planning a renovation, repair or painting project? 🔨 If your home was built before 1978, lead-based paint may be present. Get your home tested today by an EPA- or state-certified professional. cdxapps.epa.gov/leadpro

If you are planning any renovation, repair, or painting (RRP) project in a pre-1978 home, EPA recommends homeowners hire a lead-safe certified contractor who is certified and trained in lead-safe work practices, meaning a group of techniques to prevent lead exposure resulting from renovation and repair activities. And in fact, the RRP Rule requires that contractors performing RRP projects in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities, and preschools be lead-safe certified.

10/29/2026

🧠 World Stroke Day – October 29

Every second counts when it comes to a stroke! Knowing the warning signs and acting FAST can save a life.

🚨 Remember BE FAST:

B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
E – Eyes: Sudden vision changes
F – Face: One side of the face droops
A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in an arm
S – Speech: Slurred or difficult speech
T – Time: Call 911 immediately if you notice any of these signs!

A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age. Recognizing the signs and getting emergency care quickly can make a difference.

This World Stroke Day, help spread awareness and share these lifesaving signs with your loved ones!

For more information: https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/signs-symptoms/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/prevention/index.html

10/28/2026

Halloween treats can bring plenty of questions about kids’ dental health. Swipe through to uncover the truth behind common Halloween oral health myths and find simple ways to help protect your child’s smile. 🎃

10/28/2026

It's spooky season! 🎃 👻
If you're not feeling festive this season, that's okay. Help is always available if you or someone you know is struggling with or substance use.
Help yourself and share to help others: samhsa.gov/find-help

It's spooky season! 🎃 👻

If you're not feeling festive this season, that's okay. Help is always available if you or someone you know is struggling with or substance use.

Help yourself and share to help others: samhsa.gov/find-help