Public Health Status Update for 03/21/2025

Marin County Public Health Status Update for March 21, 2025, includes Measles Cases are Increasing Nationwide; Local and Global Burden of the Great Imitator – TB; Why Nutrition Programs Matter; Wastewater Surveillance – Human Metapneumovirus and RVS Levels Remain High; 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 Cases are Increasing Nationwide

Measles cases are increasing around the country. As of March 13, 2025, a total of 301 confirmed measles cases have been reported by 15 states, including California. This week, Marin County Public Health investigated a possible case of measles. Fortunately, it was determined to be a viral exanthem, not measles. If you’re planning to travel for spring break to international destinations or through international airports, make sure you and your children are up to date on the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of MMR are 97% effective at preventing measles. While other jurisdictions have seen declining vaccine rates in school-aged children, 99% of Marin's kindergarten (incl. TK) students are up to date with MMR and the risk of a measles outbreak in Marin is low. Learn more at Information on Measles | Marin Health and Human Services.

Local and Global Burden of the Great Imitator - TB

Globally, tuberculosis is responsible for the most deaths of any infectious disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2023 around 1.25 million people died from the bacterial infection and new cases hit an all-time high that year, with around 8.2 million people diagnosed. This year, Marin County Public Health public health nurses and support workers are managing the highest number of active TB cases since the 2015 – 17 large TB outbreak. U.S. international aid plays a key role in reducing the global burden of tuberculosis (TB). U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funding supported TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in countries with high TB rates. Locally, we are preparing for a surge in TB activity as low-income countries face barriers to TB prevention and control. Complete this TB Risk Assessment to see if you should get screened for latent TB.

Why Nutrition Programs Matter

Proper nutrition during the first years of life is critical for brain development, immune function, and establishing lifelong eating habits. Programs like WIC provide essential support to vulnerable families, ensuring access to nutritious foods during crucial developmental windows. Farm-to-school initiatives connect communities with fresh, local produce, improving quality and sustainability. Continued funding for these programs represents a vital investment in public health, reducing healthcare costs and fostering healthier generations while addressing persistent nutritional inequities in underserved communities.

Wastewater Surveillance – Human Metapneumovirus and RSV Levels Remain High

Wastewater surveillance has become a primary tool for monitoring infectious diseases in our community. While flu activity is decreasing, other winter respiratory viruses remain elevated. Continue to practice respiratory hygiene – stay home when sick, wear a mask if symptomatic or at higher risk for illness, cover your cough and wash your hands frequently. MCPH Epidemiology Program has updated our landing page for wastewater surveillance. Take a tour today to see current viral activity in our community. You can explore charts organized by disease type (Respiratory, Gastrointestinal, Other Infectious) with line graphs showing virus intensity. For rare diseases like mpox, charts display detection, helping you to quickly understand and interpret disease trends. MCPH is requesting the addition of measles to our wastewater surveillance portfolio.

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	Increasing
Central Marin/San Rafael*	Minimal	Decreasing	Moderate	Decreasing	Moderate	Increasing
Marin (Las Gallinas)	Minimal	Decreasing	Moderate	Decreasing	Moderate	Plateau
Marin (Novato)	Minimal	Decreasing	Moderate	Decreasing	Moderate	Decreasing
Marin (Sausalito-Marin City)	Minimal	Decreasing	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 04/18/2025