Marin County Public Health Status Update for May 15, 2026, includes State Monitoring Andes Virus (Hantavirus): Low Risk to Marin; Parvovirus B19 on the Rise: What Marin Residents Need to Know; Golden Eagle 2026 Strengthens Local Emergency Response; Community Action to Prevent Youth Vaping; Maternal Mental Health Matters; 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.
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State Monitoring Andes Virus (Hantavirus): Low Risk to Marin
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is monitoring an outbreak of Andes virus linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. Five California residents were affected. One has returned to California and is being monitored by their local health department. Two others received care after disembarking overseas, and a fourth person had close contact with a case abroad. The fifth person is being monitored by the CDC as they are not currently in California. No travelers connected to this incident have arrived in Marin County. The risk to the public remains extremely low. However, weakened CDC infrastructure and interruptions in essential communication between federal, state, and local public health agencies pose ongoing challenges to timely coordination and response. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep our community informed.
Parvovirus B19 on the Rise: What Marin Residents Need to Know
Human parvovirus B19 is spreading in Northern California and wastewater surveillance is proving its value as a public health investment by detecting viral activity before clinical cases rise. This kind of monitoring gives us a head start in understanding the spread and responding proactively. The virus spreads through coughs and sneezes and often causes mild illness, including fever, fatigue, or a “slapped cheek” rash in children. Most people recover quickly, but pregnant people and those with blood or immune conditions face higher risks. There is no vaccine, making prevention and a strong public health infrastructure essential. Wash hands, cover coughs, and stay home when sick.
Golden Eagle 2026 Strengthens Local Emergency Response
Marin County joined agencies across the Bay Area for Golden Eagle 2026, a regional full-scale emergency exercise based on a major disaster scenario. The exercise is supported by the Bay Area Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI), which helps cities and counties prepare for and respond to major emergencies. First responders, local governments, and partner organizations practiced coordinating, sharing information, and making decisions under pressure. This training is especially important as federal preparedness and response capacity has become more limited.
Community Action to Prevent Youth Vaping
Recent national changes, such as the FDA authorizing two fruit-flavored e-cigarettes, risk increasing youth vaping prevalence. While state and local laws in California currently disallow the sale of flavored nicotine/tobacco products, the FDA’s authorization of flavored vapes is a reminder that youth nicotine use prevention remains an important public health priority.
Nicotine can affect developing brains, increase addiction risk, and impact mental and physical health. As Marin communities work with HHS to pass ordinances that strengthen youth protections, we remain committed to helping keep Marin youth safe and healthy. Contact HHSTobaccoPrev@marincounty.gov to sign up for our newsletter and learn more.
Maternal Mental Health Matters
May is Maternal Mental Health Month, a reminder that pregnancy and the postpartum period can affect emotional well-being as much as physical health. Globally, post-partum depression affects 1 in 5 women. Community support and early connection to care matter for parents and families. Residents are invited to join the 6th Annual Walk for Moms on May 17 in San Rafael to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support maternal mental health services in our community.
Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance
Marin County’s Respiratory Virus Dashboard 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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