Public Health Status Update for 07/17/2026

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/

Summer Outbreak: Safe Food Prep Steps to Stop Cyclospora

A major summer outbreak of Cyclosporiasis has sickened nearly 7,000 people across 34 states, marking one of the largest U.S. spikes in years. While California cases remain stable, tracking the parasite has grown complex. The CDC recently removed Cyclospora from FoodNet, its long-term surveillance program. This change makes monitoring long-term data trends difficult, though real-time response continues unaffected. To bridge this gap, Marin County Public Health nurses are actively investigating every locally reported case. To protect yourself, practice strict food safety:

Wash hands before handling fresh produce;

Rinse produce under clean, running water;

Scrub firm produce with a clean brush;

Discard outer leaves of leafy greens;

Cook vegetables when possible.

The Cost of "Feeling Free": Kratom on Marin Shelves

Kratom and its derivative 7-OH act on opioid receptors and are illegal to sell for consumption in California. At this time, enforcement only reaches alcohol-licensed retailers, leaving smoke shops, gas stations, and convenience stores largely unchecked. This is why products like Feel Free, cleverly marketed as safe, botanical wellness tonics, still turn up across the county. Federally, the DEA is moving to restrict kratom and 7-OH, but that targets suppliers, not local stores. Marin County Public Health is closing the gap through OD Free Marin outreach and education, retailer outreach, and clinician training. Residents who see these products sold locally should report it to the CDPH Food and Drug Branch at 1-800-495-3232 or email CDPH.FDBcomplaints@cdph.ca.gov. If you're concerned about a family member or friend, or need help yourself, contact the Marin County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) Access Line at 888-818-1115.

Good News for Local Health Care

Last-minute changes to the state budget just gave our community clinics a lifeline. Lawmakers delayed cuts to the higher reimbursement rate for patients with Unsatisfactory Immigration Status (UIS), pushing the change from July 2026 to July 2027. This one-year extension protects vital revenue for our community clinics, including Marin City Health and Wellness Center, Marin Community Clinics (MCC), Petaluma Health Center, and Ritter Center. Denti-Cal funding was also preserved for another year, keeping dental care accessible. If you receive Medi-Cal or CalFresh, log in to BenefitsCal to update your profile and upload current documents. Need help with your case? Reach out to Marin County Social Services - Public Assistance office to help you stay covered.

Wildfire Season Is Here — Protect Vulnerable Residents from Power Outages

This week, parts of Southern Marin lost power due to a PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). This is an important reminder that outages can hit our county with little notice during hot, dry, windy conditions. They may last a day or more, and older adults, people with disabilities, and those relying on medical equipment or refrigerated medicines face the greatest risk. Take steps today to prepare yourself, your family and neighborhood: check your household's Wildfire Risk Report and clear combustible items from Zone 0, the 0–5 feet around your home. Sign up for AlertMarin, charge devices, stock batteries and cash, and make a power outage plan with your medical provider. For updates on active emergencies and incidents in Marin County, visit the County of Marin’s Public Emergency Portal.

Remembering Chief Marlon Washington

The community is mourning the sudden passing of Marin County Chief Probation Officer Marlon Washington on July 10, 2026. In 2020, Chief Washington made history as the county’s first African American Chief Probation Officer. In just six years leading Marin County, he built lasting partnerships across sectors, championing restorative justice on behalf of the county's most vulnerable residents, including justice-involved individuals and families. He was a staunch champion for the Phoenix Project of Marin, helping secure its funding as an exemplar of creating pathways to positivity, purpose, and productivity. Chief Washington’s profound dedication to community healing and mentorship will endure through the countless lives he transformed.

Community Infectious Disease Monitoring

Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance
Marin County’s Respiratory Virus Dashboard brings together local data on COVID‑19, influenza, and RSV in one easy‑to‑use resource. It helps residents and providers track trends and stay informed about seasonal virus activity.

Wastewater Surveillance
Marin County Public Health’s Wastewater Surveillance program monitors infectious diseases by testing our community’s sewage. This early‑warning system provides valuable insight into virus levels and supports timely public health action.

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.

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 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.

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