Marin County Public Health Status Update for June 18, 2026, includes Another Infant Recall Alert; Game Day Health Reminder; Gun Violence Awareness Month; Ticks Can Spread More Than Lyme; Be Prepared for Hot Weather; 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/
Another Infant Recall Alert
Parents and caregivers are urged to stop using Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula following a nationwide recall linked to cases of infant botulism. Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness that can cause poor feeding, weakness, difficulty swallowing, and breathing problems. If your child has consumed this formula and develops symptoms, seek medical care right away. Check recall information carefully and contact your child's healthcare provider if you have questions about alternative feeding options.
Game Day Health Reminder
As visitors and residents gather to enjoy World Cup events, remember that simple steps can help prevent the spread of illness. Wash your hands with soap and water before eating or handling food, especially at crowded events. Hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus, a common cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. If you are feeling sick, stay home and rest to help protect others.
Gun Violence Awareness Month
June is Gun Violence Awareness Month. From 2020–2024, 73% of Marin’s firearm-related deaths were suicides, underscoring the need for prevention, awareness, and secure firearm storage. Led by the District Attorney’s Office, the Marin Gun Safety Collaborative brings together county and community partners to help prevent firearm tragedies. Its website, maringunsafetycollaborative.org, offers information on safe storage, Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs), free gun locks, and local resources that can help protect families and communities.
Ticks Can Spread More than Lyme
As more people spend time outdoors, there continues to be reports of an increase in medical visits related to tick bites. While many people are familiar with Lyme disease, ticks can also spread other illnesses, including anaplasmosis, which can cause fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.
The best protection is to prevent tick bites. When hiking or spending time in grassy or wooded areas, use an EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and check yourself, children, and pets for ticks after spending time outdoors. Removing ticks promptly can help reduce the risk of illness.
Be Prepared for Hot Weather
Summer temperatures can rise quickly, especially during outdoor activities. Before heading out, bring plenty of water, wear lightweight clothing, and check the forecast so you're prepared for changing conditions. Heat-related illness can develop faster than many people realize, particularly for older adults, young children, and those with underlying health conditions.
Stay informed by signing up for AlertMarin to receive emergency notifications and important updates about weather and other hazards affecting 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
-
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
Subscribe to Status Updates | Past Status Updates | Subscribe to News | Follow us on Facebook | Follow us on X | Follow us on Instagram