Marin County Public Health Status Update for May 17, 2024, includes COVID-19: Emerging Variant Fueling Increase in Cases; New Guidelines: Start Breast Cancer Screening Earlier; Outbreak Prevention Program Jeopardized; Marin Continues to Advocate for Federal E-bike Regulations; and COVID-19 Data Update.
The Marin County Public Health Status Update is published weekly to share news and resources related to pandemic response and recovery, emergency preparedness, and other public health priorities.
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COVID-19: Emerging Variant Fueling Increase in Cases
Local wastewater sampling shows an increase in COVID-19 transmission in Marin County, coinciding with a shift in circulating variants. 27 percent (3/11) of Marin County cases sampled in April were infected with KP.2, also referred to as the FLiRT variant. Replacing the JN.1 strain, KP.2 has become dominant nationally. Rises in cases after a steady decline often signifies an emerging strain. Symptoms and severity of infection with FliRT variants are similar to prior strains. While vaccine remains the most effective means of preventing severe illness, it’s too early to know if this shift will prompt new vaccine recommendations. Marin County Public Health follows trends closely and will provide regular updates.
New Guidelines: Start Breast Cancer Screening Earlier
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women in Marin County. When detected early, most forms of breast cancer are curable. Last week, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released new guidelines; recommending that women get a mammogram beginning at age 40. (This may differ for women with a genetic predisposition. A personal risk assessment tool can help guide screening decisions.) The Task Force estimates that with earlier screening nearly 20% more lives can be saved, with even greater benefits for Black women who have higher breast cancer mortality rates. Women should discuss options with their primary care providers, who can arrange mammogram appointments.
Outbreak Prevention Program Jeopardized
Governor Newsom’s proposed plan to fill a $28 billion budget deficit threatens a local program dedicated to preventing outbreaks in nursing homes, long term care facilities, schools and childcare. The state’s Future of Public Health initiative, now slated for cuts, funded the new Marin County Outbreak Prevention and Infection Control (OPIC) team. OPIC is designed to strengthen infection control practices in Marin’s highest risk settings. In 2024 alone, the OPIC team has trained over 400 staff and performed 19 site visits. Marin is joining other jurisdictions to preserve funding for these critical services.
Marin Continues to Advocate for Federal E-bike Regulations
Following their testimony last week to the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), local leaders provided written commentary advocating for stronger federal standards for E-bike safety, especially for youth. Letters to the CPSC from the Marin County Board of Supervisors, and by Public Health Officer, Dr. Matt Willis, can be found on the County’s “Legislative Letters” webpage. The letters highlight concerning local trends in e-bike related injuries, especially among residents between 10 and 15 years old.
COVID-19 Data Update
Below is a snapshot of local COVID-19 data. Find a more in-depth analysis of COVID-19 trends on the Marin Data & Surveillance webpage, our Data FAQ, or Marin County's Open Data Portal.
| Actively Circulating Variants | JN.1, KP.2 |
|---|
| Marin County COVID-19 Hospitalizations | Today’s Report |
|---|---|
|
Hospitalized Patients |
10 |
|
ICU Patients |
3 |
| Settings Experiencing Outbreaks | Today’s Report |
|---|---|
|
Long-Term Care and Congregate Living Facilities |
4 |
|
Schools and Childcare |
1 |
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