Marin County Public Health Status Update for July 18, 2025, includes Rise in Childhood Pneumonia Cases; Back to School List: Don’t Forget Vaccines; Help Save Lives in Marin – Download the PulsePoint Apps; Wildfire Readiness; Helping Teens Build Healthy Social Media Habits; Pride Continues: LGBTQ+ Seniors Building Strength Together; and Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance.
The Marin County 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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Rise in Childhood Pneumonia Cases
Since spring, the Bay Area has seen a sharp increase in children hospitalized with pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This illness isn’t routinely tracked by local or state public health systems, so we don’t know how common it is right now. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is asking health care providers to test for it—especially when children aren’t getting better with antibiotics like amoxicillin, which don’t work against this type of bacteria. If your child has a cough, fever, or trouble breathing that isn’t improving, contact your health care provider. Early testing and the right treatment can help your child recover faster.
Back to School List: Don’t Forget Vaccines
With many Marin County schools starting in August, now is the time to make sure your child or teen is up to date on their vaccines. Immunizations protect kids from serious diseases like measles, whooping cough, and polio, and help keep our classrooms and communities healthy. California law requires certain vaccines for school and childcare entry. Families can check their child’s vaccination records with their doctor or through the state’s Digital Vaccine Record portal. Be sure to schedule a well-child visit soon to avoid last-minute delays. If your child is uninsured or underinsured, Marin County offers free or low-cost vaccines through local clinics.
Help Save Lives in Marin – Download the PulsePoint Apps!
Marin County now has two free apps that can help you save a life: PulsePoint and PulsePoint AED. PulsePoint alerts you when someone nearby is having a heart emergency and may need CPR. If you know CPR, you can respond quickly and help before emergency crews arrive. PulsePoint AED lets you find and report where AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) are located around town so people can find them quickly during emergencies. Together, these apps connect people, lifesaving tools, and fast action to build a stronger, safer community. Search “PulsePoint” in your app store now and download both apps today.
Wildfire Readiness
Wildfire season has arrived—Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority is taking action!
Home inspections are now underway across all 17 local fire agency areas. Trained inspectors are evaluating properties for wildfire safety, including defensible space and fire-resistant materials. After your inspection, you’ll receive a free online report with customized recommendations. Please note that some improvements are required under California state and local fire safety laws. This program complements Chipper Days and wildfire mitigation grants, giving you the tools and support to protect your home. Track inspection progress on the Defensible Space Dashboard. View your Wildfire Report here. Learn more at Fire Safe Marin.
Helping Teens Build Healthy Social Media Habits
If you're worried about how social media might be affecting your teen’s mood, sleep, or self-esteem—you’re not alone. Excessive use, especially endless scrolling through negative content (known as doom scrolling), has been linked to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation in youth. Instead of just focusing on screen time limits, think about how your teen uses media and how it makes them feel. Create screen-free routines—like turning off devices an hour before bed—and use tools like the AAP Family Media Plan to set healthy boundaries together. Encourage offline time with friends, outdoor activities, and other positive outlets. For simple tips, check out the AAP’s 5 Cs of Media Use, a guide to help families support balanced, thoughtful digital habits that protect teen mental health.
Pride Continues: LGBTQ+ Seniors Building Strength Together
Starting July 8, join ROOTED & RESILIENT, a monthly series for LGBTQ+ adults 60+ at the Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus (999 3rd St, San Rafael). Every 2nd Tuesday, from 12:30–2:00 PM, there’ll be guided discussions, guest speakers, healthy snacks, and raffle prizes! Funded by Marin County BHRS via the Mental Health Services Act, this pilot will foster connection and wellness in Marin’s LGBTQ+ community. Learn more by contacting Clare Sackson at csackson@vivalon.org (415-456-9062 x148).
Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance
Find in-depth analysis of viral activity at Marin COVID-19 Surveillance and Marin Influenza and RSV Surveillance webpages. Marin County Public Health has aligned local reporting with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) respiratory illnesses data monitoring and CDPH Weekly Respiratory Report.
Respiratory Virus Surveillance Site Trends and Levels
|
Virus Type |
COVID |
Influenza |
RSV |
|||
|
Levels and Trends |
Level |
Trend |
Level |
Trend |
Level |
Trend |
|
All Sites Combined |
Low
|
Plateau
|
Minimal
|
Plateau
|
Minimal |
Plateau |
|
Central Marin/San Rafael* |
Minimal |
Plateau
|
Minimal
|
Plateau
|
Minimal
|
Plateau
|
|
Marin (Las Gallinas) |
Low |
Increasing |
Minimal
|
Plateau
|
Minimal
|
Plateau
|
|
Marin (Novato) |
Moderate |
Increasing |
Minimal
|
Plateau
|
Minimal
|
Plateau
|
|
Marin (Sausalito-Marin City) |
Moderate |
Decreasing |
Minimal
|
Plateau
|
Minimal
|
Plateau
|
*The Central Marin/San Rafael service area includes the cities of San Rafael, Corte Madera, Larkspur, Ross Valley, and Fairfax.
Resource Link Library
Public Health
CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses.
Vaccine Locations | Vaccine Information | Free COVID-19 Testing
Sign up for AlertMarin, the county’s emergency notification system.
Community Supports 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.
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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