Public Health Status Update for 03/07/2025

Marin County Public Health Status Update for March 07, 2025, includes Measles Death in Texas; Vaccine Disruptions; Why Inclusive Health Data Matters; Protecting Reproductive Rights; Healthy Eating is a Privilege; Support Services for Migrants; 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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Measles Death in Texas: A Wake-Up Call for Vaccination

A child has died from measles in West Texas, marking the first U.S. measles death in a decade. This outbreak, fueled by low vaccination rates, highlights the dangers of measles, which can lead to severe complications like pneumonia, deafness, and brain damage. Almost everyone who has not had the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine will get measles if they are exposed to the measles virus. The outbreak is ongoing, with 159 cases reported in the past month, showing how quickly measles can spread in unvaccinated communities. People 6 months of age and older who will be traveling internationally or to communities with active measles outbreaks should be protected against measles. The usual vaccine schedule for MMR begins at 12 months of age. For additional information, visit our new webpage Information on Measles.

Vaccine Disruptions

Recent delays in key vaccine meetings at the CDC and FDA reduce transparency and exclude expert and public input in decision-making. The February meeting of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee was postponed, and the FDA canceled a March meeting about flu vaccine composition. This uncertainty comes amid a tough flu season and a rise in measles cases. Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued its recommendations for the 2025-2026 influenza season, and flu vaccine manufacturers state they remain on track to meet supply targets. Locally, Marin County Public Health is monitoring the impact of anticipated reductions in federal funding on vaccine access, particularly through programs like the CDC's Partnering for Vaccine Equity (P4VE), Medi-Cal, and national vaccine initiatives for both adults and children.

Why Inclusive Health Data Matters

Last month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including the Office on Women’s Health, advanced President Trump’s executive order to define sex as only “male and female.” This narrow view ignores growing scientific evidence that an inclusive understanding of sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE) is essential for better healthcare. Collecting SOGI data helps identify health issues within LGBTQ+ communities, allowing healthcare providers to offer better care, target health programs, and build patient trust. Embracing an inclusive approach leads to improved health outcomes and more effective treatments and support for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Protecting Reproductive Rights this Women’s History Month

Reproductive health care, including safe and legal abortion, is a fundamental right that was secured through the efforts of women's suffrage and rights movements. These movements played a key role in ensuring the protections that allow individuals to make decisions about their own bodies. In California, laws support reproductive freedom, permitting access to abortion without the need for specific justification or parental consent. While abortion is a safe medical procedure, stigma and legal barriers can sometimes lead individuals to seek unsafe alternatives. The Reprocare Healthline (833-226-7821) offers confidential, peer-based support, as well as medical information and referrals to help individuals explore their options and access safe, legal care. Learn more from our Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health (MCAH) program at Abortion Access & Reproductive Rights.

Healthy Eating is a Privilege

Food insecurity is a growing issue in the U.S., affecting millions of families, especially those with low incomes. More than 13,000 Marin County residents are enrolled in CalFresh, and more than 2,000 infants, women, and children are enrolled in WIC. CalFresh and WIC are part of the USDA’s domestic food assistance and nutrition program for low-income households. For many, access to nutritious food is a privilege. Individuals and families experiencing food insecurity often rely on cheap, low-nutrient options to get by. Potential cuts to these programs will make it even harder for struggling families to afford nutritious meals and increase the consumption of processed, unhealthy foods. In Marin County, the SF-Marin Food Bank and ExtraFood work with community partners to ensure access to fresh, healthy and nutritious food to our most vulnerable residents. In addition, programs such as farm to school provide both education and locally sourced nutritious food.

Support Services for Migrants

Reacting to the current administration’s moves on immigration policy, Marin supervisors allocated $500,000 Tuesday to provide support services for migrants. The county funding is for “services including but not limited to legal representation, family support services, and outreach and education.”

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	Decreasing	Moderate	Decreasing
Central Marin/San Rafael*	Minimal	Decreasing	High	Decreasing	Moderate	Decreasing
Marin (Las Gallinas)	Minimal	Decreasing	High	Plateau	Low	Decreasing
Marin (Novato)	Low	Increasing	Moderate	Decreasing	Moderate	Decreasing
Marin (Sausalito-Marin City)	Minimal	Plateau	Low	Decreasing	Low	Decreasing

*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

Community Supports and Services

Information and Assistance: Call (415) 473-INFO (4636) or visit Marin County's Online Community Resource Guide

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

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.

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

Public Health Status Update for 03/21/2025