Public Health Status Update for 01/05/2024

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Marin County Public Health Status Update for January 05, 2024, includes JN.1 Driving Local COVID-19 Surge; Local Leaders Propose New E-Bike Safety Law; Marin Acts Against Bird Flu Threat; Elevated Lead Levels Found in Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches; and COVID-19 Data Update.

The Marin County Public Health Status Update is published weekly to share news and resources related to pandemic response and recovery, emergency preparedness, and other public health priorities.

JN.1 Driving Local COVID-19 Surge

COVID-19 hospitalization rates in Marin are increasing. Local wastewater concentrations of SARS-COV2 continue to rise, signifying an increasing risk of COVID-19 exposure and infection in our community. The latest local surveillance data shows that the JN.1 strain is rapidly replacing prior strains in active circulation. The current monovalent vaccine is effective against JN.1. Remember to mask up in Marin Healthcare Facilities. Find a vaccine at GetVaccinatedMarin.org.

Local Leaders Propose New E-Bike Safety Law

Assemblymember Damon Connolly, D-San Rafael, introduced Assembly Bill 1778 to enhance street safety by prohibiting youths under 16 from riding class 2 e-bikes. Announced in a press conference with Marin County Supervisor Mary Sackett on December 22nd, the proposed legislation also expands restrictions on class 3 e-bikes, mandating helmets for all class 2 e-bike riders and supporting enforcement. Marin County Public Health backs this measure due to an uptick in e-bike accidents, particularly among youth. Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County Public Health Officer, discussed the public health perspective on e-bike safety on December 15th.

Marin Acts Against Bird Flu Threat

Marin authorities and poultry farmers are implementing strict measures to curb the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). This emerging strain of bird flu affects domestic and wild fowl, raising concerns about economic losses and leading poultry farmers to take proactive measures to prevent and control outbreaks. As the bird virus spreads there remains little current concern for human health, as spread to humans is rare and limited to those with prolonged very close contact with infected birds.

Elevated Lead Levels Found in Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches

Marin County Public Health participates in national surveillance systems for product safety. This week, CORE Network is investigating elevated blood lead levels in children who consumed specific pureed applesauce pouches. While there is no specific concern in Marin, parents are advised to check the linked statement to ensure they don't have the identified products at home. For updates, refer to the FDA's website under "Investigation of Elevated Lead Levels: Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches (November 2023)." Further details can be found on the CDC's website regarding the Lead Poisoning Outbreak associated with this product. Product recalls are a common safety measure, and information on food safety can be found on the CDC web page.

COVID-19 Data Update

Below is a snapshot of local COVID-19 data. Find a more in-depth analysis of COVID-19 trends on the Marin Data & Surveillance webpage, our Data FAQ, or Marin County's Open Data Portal.

Actively Circulating Variants	JN.1; HV.1; GK.1

Marin County COVID-19 Hospitalizations	Today’s Report
New Admissions Over the Past Week	13
Hospitalized Patients	10
ICU Patients	2

Settings Experiencing Outbreaks	Today’s Report
Long-Term Care and Congregate Living Facilities	10
Schools and Childcare	0

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Public Health Status Update for 01/17/2025