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Public Health Status Update for 02/07/2025

Marin County Public Health Status Update for February 7, 2025, includes Public Health Mission; Bird Flu; Norovirus; February is Heart Health Awareness Month; and Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance. 

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Public Health Status Update for 01/17/2025

Marin County Public Health Status Update for January 17, 2025, includes Flu Is Here; Human Metapneumovirus; Sporadic Case of Bird Flu in San Francisco; Supporting Angelenos; Get Involved & Learn About Opioid Settlement Funds; and Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance. 

The Marin County Public Health Status Update is released on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month to provide news and resources concerning public health priorities. 

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Flu is Here 

Flu is surging in Marin County. Marin County Public Health advises all healthcare and long-term care facility staff and visitors to wear high-quality, well-fitting masks when they have close contact with patients and residents. Flu season is expected to continue through early spring, so we encourage all residents to get their flu vaccine as soon as possible. Find a vaccine location near you:  https://coronavirus.marinhhs.org/vaccinefinder 

Human Metapneumovirus 

China’s recent surge of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) has reached the Bay Area. While hMPV wastewater levels in Marin are low, we are seeing high levels in Napa, San Francisco, and Santa Clara. hMPV is a common but underdiagnosed, self-limited winter respiratory illness. Symptoms commonly associated with hMPV include cough, fever, and nasal congestion. Clinical symptoms of hMPV infection may progress to bronchitis or pneumonia. As we reach the peak of the winter respiratory virus season, remember the basics – stay home when sick, mask when symptomatic, wash your hands regularly, and cover your cough.  

Sporadic Case of Bird Flu in San Francisco 

Last week, the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) reported a presumptive case of bird flu in a child.  This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an advisory to hospitals, laboratories, and clinicians to test and subtype for non-seasonal flu to enhance disease surveillance. While the H5N1 avian influenza remains a low risk to the public, as the virus spreads among wildlife, poultry, and dairy cows, enhanced surveillance is needed to monitor for potential human-to-human transmission. If you develop symptoms consistent with avian flu, including fever and conjunctivitis, after contact with animals (e.g., backyard flocks) or consumption of raw milk products, visit your healthcare provider to coordinate testing with Marin County Public Health.    

Supporting Angelenos 

As we watch firefighters struggle to contain wildfires in Los Angeles and our Southern California neighbors navigate the heartbreaking road to recovery, we can help and increase our wildfire readiness.  Support trusted organizations providing direct relief to survivors, including the California Community Foundation, Eaton Fire Relief and Recovery Fund, and GoFundMe’s Wildfire Relief Fund 2025. Marin County Public Health has set a countywide goal of enrolling every resident over 16 in Alert Marín, the county’s emergency notification system. Following emergency orders – evacuation or shelter in place – is the first step to surviving a disaster.  At home, create defensible space and harden structures to protect against wildfires. 

Get Involved & Learn About Opioid Settlement Funds 

Marin HHS is inviting feedback from community members about priorities for the allocation of opioid settlement funds (OSF) in Marin County. OD Free Marin has launched a new webpage to provide transparency and ensure accountability for local opioid settlement fund spending. To provide your input, please review the OSF Community Presentation, and then complete the OSF Community Survey.   

Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance  

Find in-depth analysis of viral activity at Marin COVID-19 Surveillance and Marin Influenza and RSV Surveillance webpages.  Marin County Public Health has aligned local reporting with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) respiratory illnesses data monitoring and CDPH Weekly Respiratory Report.  

Respiratory Virus Surveillance Site Trends and Levels 

Virus Type 

COVID 

Influenza 

RSV 

Levels and Trends 

Level 

Trend 

Level 

Trend 

Level 

Trend 

All Sites Combined 

Minimal 

Decreasing 

Moderate 

Increasing 

High 

Increasing 

Central Marin/San Rafael*  

Minimal 

 

Plateau 

Very High 

Increasing 

 

Moderate 

Plateau 

Marin (Novato) 

Minimal 

 

Plateau 

Moderate 

Increasing 

High 

 

Increasing 

Marin 

(Sausalito) 

Low 

 

Increasing 

Moderate 

Increasing 

High 

 

Increasing 

Marin 

(Las Gallinas) 

Minimal 

 

Decreasing 

High 

Increasing 

High 

 

Increasing 

*The Central Marin/San Rafael service area includes the cities of San Rafael, Corte Madera, Larkspur, Ross Valley, and Fairfax. 

 

Resource Link Library 

 

Public Health 

CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses. 

Vaccine Locations | Vaccine Information | Free COVID-19 Testing  

Sign up for AlertMarin, the county’s emergency notification system.   

Community Supports and Services  

  • The Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) Access Line: Call (415) 473-6666. 

Public Benefits 

BenefitsCal.com is a one-stop-shop to apply, renew, or manage health care coverage, food assistance, and cash aid.  

Marin County Coordinated Entry System for Persons Experiencing Homelessness  

  • Individuals: Call (415) 473-HOME (4663)  

  • Families: Call Homeward Bound of Marin at (415) 457-2115 

Stay Informed 

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