Public Health Status Update for 04/17/2026

Marin County Public Health Status Update for April 17, 2026, includes Measles Reminder: Check Your Protection; Rotavirus Reminder: Protecting Infants; Stay Safe: Scam Jam Is Coming to Marin; Protecting Our Water: Protecting Our Health; Honoring Lives, Advancing Teen Driver Safety; Kids, Screens, and Health: Why Real Life Matters More Than Ever; Powered by Youth: Community 5K This Sunday 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/

Measles Reminder: Check your protection

A recent measles case in San Francisco is a reminder that measles is highly contagious and can spread quickly. Infants, young children, and other vulnerable individuals are at highest risk for serious illness. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is the most effective protection against measles. We encourage residents to check their vaccination status and make sure they and their families are up to date to help protect our community. Learn more about vaccine effectiveness and safety here.

Rotavirus Reminder: Protecting Infants

Recent reports have highlighted rotavirus levels in wastewater, which is one tool used to track illness in the community. Rotavirus can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration in infants and young children. The rotavirus vaccine is an oral vaccine given early in infancy and is highly effective at preventing serious illness. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to make sure their infants receive this important, routine vaccine on schedule.

Stay Safe: Scam Jam is Coming to Marin

The County of Marin is hosting a free “Scam Jam” event on April 28 from 9 AM to 1 PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 240 Tiburon Boulevard in Tiburon to help residents learn how to identify, avoid, and report common scams. The event brings together local partners, including HHS Adult and Aging Services, to share practical tips for preventing fraud and protecting personal and financial information—especially for older adults. Community members are encouraged to attend and learn how to stay safe and informed.

Protecting our Water: Protecting our Health

Marin County Public Health partners with Environmental Health Services to keep our beaches and waterways safe through regular water sampling and testing. Each week from April through October, water is collected from dozens of sites and tested to ensure it meets state safety standards for swimming and recreation. If bacteria levels are too high, warning signs are posted to protect the public. This behind-the-scenes work helps prevent illness and keeps our community safe while enjoying Marin’s natural spaces. Before swimming or wading, check current water quality information.

Honoring Lives, Advancing Teen Driver Safety

As we mark one year since the Woodacre motor vehicle accident, and in the wake of the recent accident in Novato in which another young life was lost, we hold in our hearts their families and loved ones. Motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death for teens and young adults (ages 15–24) in Marin County, with risks rising during prom and graduation season. Keeping young people safe is a shared responsibility—parents, schools, and communities can encourage safe driving, set clear expectations, and reinforce that underage drinking is not acceptable. Resources like Impact Teen Drivers – California offer prevention tools and Marin Behavioral Health and Recovery Services provides support for those experiencing loss.

Kids, Screens, and Health: Why Real Life Matters More Than Ever

Excessive screen time can affect children’s and adolescents’ health. Marin’s ScreenSense “Kids IRL” program promotes more in-person connection. While platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat are popular, evidence of online harm is growing, highlighted by a 2026 jury finding Meta and Google responsible for mental health impacts tied to addictive design. Families can help by setting limits, encouraging device-free time, and supporting offline habits. Before high school, consider restricting devices to basic functions and delaying social media access.

Powered by Youth: Community 5K this Sunday

One Stride at a Time is a free, youth-led all-ages 5K at McInnis Park on April 19 from 10 AM–12 PM. Join a fun, flexible run/walk supporting mental health, recovery, and wellness. Enjoy pancakes, raffle prizes, music, and a resource fair. Bring friends, family, and leashed dogs—everyone is welcome to participate together. Click here to register.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Stay Informed

Public Health Status Update for 05/01/2026