Marin County Public Health Status Update for February 6, 2026, includes Super Bowl LX: Staying Healthy, Informed and Prepared; Rising Measles Cases in California; Access to Health Coverage and Care in Marin County; Fluoride, Drinking Water and Your Child’s Dental Health; Wear Red Today for Heart Health; All A’s and No Vapes: Marin County Leads on Nicotine Harm Reduction; Why Kratom Is Disappearing From Store Shelves in California; and Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance.
Marin County Public Health (MCPH) protects our community by promoting health, preventing disease, and preparing for public health emergencies. The MCPH Public Health Status Update is released on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month to provide news and resources concerning public health priorities.
For additional public health insights across California, subscribe to Your Local Epidemiologist – California, authored by Marin County’s former Public Health Officer. 👉 https://yourlocalepidemiologistca.substack.com/
Super Bowl LX: Staying Healthy, Informed, and Prepared
Super Bowl LX is coming to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara this weekend. With big crowds and winter travel, illnesses like flu, COVID-19, and RSV are more common. Here in Marin, Marin County Public Health is working hard with our local hospitals, clinics, and healthcare partners to keep residents safe. Healthcare teams are prepared to spot unusual illnesses, ask about recent travel or event attendance, and respond quickly if concerns arise. Preparedness starts at home. It’s not too late to get vaccinated. Residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Marin and check the County Emergency Information Portal to stay informed and ready.
Rising Measles Cases in California
As of February 2, California has reported 9 measles cases, compared to 25 cases total last year. This includes three cases in Los Angeles County this week and five cases in the Bay Area, which is a reminder that measles can spread quickly across regions. Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious health problems. Marin County residents are urged to review their vaccination status, especially before traveling. The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective. Staying up to date on vaccines helps protect your family and our Marin County community. For more information, visit Information on Measles | Marin Health and Human Services.
Access to Health Coverage and Care in Marin County
Health coverage helps people get preventive care, manage chronic conditions, and stay healthy. In Marin County, Medi-Cal covers about 20% of residents, making it a critical source of care for many individuals and families. Enrollment was already declining before recent changes to renewal procedures and new work requirements, raising concerns about gaps in coverage. If you live in California and meet eligibility requirements, you may qualify for Medi-Cal. You can apply online through BenefitsCal. You may also find coverage through Covered California, or, if uninsured and ineligible for other programs, through the County Medical Services Program (CMSP). Now is a good time to check your coverage, renew if needed, and help ensure continued access to care.
Fluoride, Drinking Water, and Your Child’s Dental Health
Marin County Public Health is closely following national discussions about fluoride in drinking water. Many Marin residents receive fluoridated water through larger public water systems, while others, including those on private wells or smaller systems do not. Fluoride has long been safely used to help prevent cavities, especially for children and families with limited access to dental care. For families without fluoridated water, regular dental visits, brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and guidance from a dentist or pediatrician can help protect oral health. Marin County remains committed to science-based decisions and clear communication as new information emerges.
Wear Red Today for Heart Health
Today, our community is wearing red in recognition of National Wear Red Day to raise awareness about heart disease. In Marin County, local data show that heart disease and high blood pressure do not affect everyone equally. Differences by neighborhood, race, and income highlight the ongoing need for prevention and equitable access to care. One simple but powerful step is knowing your blood pressure. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, yet it significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. It’s also critical to know the warning signs of a stroke—face drooping, arm weakness, and trouble speaking. If you notice any of these signs, call 911 immediately. Wearing red shows support, but action saves lives. Take time today to learn about heart health, life expectancy, and health disparities in Marin County and get your blood pressure checked. You can also help by downloading the PulsePoint app to locate nearby AEDs and assist in a cardiac emergency. ❤️
All A’s and No Vapes: Marin County Leads on Nicotine Harm Reduction
Marin County Public Health is working with local partners, including Smoke-Free Marin and the Youth Advocacy Committee, to reduce the harms of tobacco and nicotine use. The risks are clear locally: 17% of Marin’s 11th graders report vaping, compared to 10% statewide, and 6% smoke cigarettes, versus 2% across California. Despite these challenges, Marin County recently earned all A’s on the American Lung Association’s policy report card - an achievement unmatched by any California county in years. This leadership is especially important as federal policy changes increase access to products like nicotine pouches such as ZYN. In response, the Town of Fairfax passed a minimum floor pricing ordinance banning vape and heated tobacco product sales and restricting nicotine pouch sales, building on Marin County’s model law. Marin County’s Tobacco Control Program is now working with cities and towns countywide—alongside community and youth partners—to adopt similar policies and advance toward the Endgame, the state’s long-term vision to eliminate commercial tobacco use and nicotine addiction.
Why Kratom Is Disappearing From Store Shelves in California
Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration is pushing new enforcement against kratom and a related substance called 7-OH. The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) is now telling all licensed retailers they must immediately stop selling and remove kratom and 7-OH products or risk losing their license. The ABC supports the California Department of Public Health’s plan, which says these products are illegal to sell or make and pose health risks like addiction and overdose. Many of these items have been marketed as dietary supplements, drinks, or gummies, but officials warn they act like opioids. Marin County encourages residents to stay informed, talk with health care providers if they have concerns, and seek support if needed.
Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance
We’ve launched Marin County’s new Respiratory Virus Dashboard, which combines local COVID-19, flu, and RSV information in one place.
Resource Link Library
Public Health
CDPH’s Respiratory Viruses Hub provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
Find materials and information to help answer vaccine questions and concerns on Marin County Public Health’s Vaccine Resources page: https://www.marinhhs.org/vaccine-resources
Vaccine Locations | Vaccine Information | Free COVID-19 Testing
Sign up for AlertMarin, the county’s emergency notification system.
Access to Care
Get free, confidential help to explore your health coverage options and enroll through Covered California at: https://www.coveredca.com.
You can search for nearby Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) — community clinics that offer low-cost or free health care — at: https://aliadoshealth.org/health-centers/
Learn about health coverage options for low-income adults through the County Medical Services Program at https://cmspcounties.org/healthcare-within-reach/.
Nutrition Security
Access free groceries and home-delivered food through the SF-Marin Food Bank’s Food Locator and emergency programs, with help available by calling or texting (415) 824-3663 or emailing help@sfmfoodbank.org.
Community Support and Services
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Information and Assistance: Call (415) 473-INFO (4636) or visit Marin County's Online Community Resource Guide
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The Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) Access Line: Call (415) 473-6666.
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Help is available. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Public Benefits
BenefitsCal.com is a one-stop-shop to apply, renew, or manage health care coverage, food assistance, and cash aid.
You may qualify for California WIC if you live in California, are pregnant or caring for a child under 5, and meet income guidelines or receive Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, or CalFresh. Use the WIC eligibility assessment to check your eligibility.
Marin County Coordinated Entry System for Persons Experiencing Homelessness
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Individuals: Call (415) 473-HOME (4663)
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Families: Call Homeward Bound of Marin at (415) 457-2115
Stay Informed
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