Marin County Public Health Status Update for August 15, 2025, includes Why Newborns Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine: What You Should Know; From Data to Insights: Matt Willis Brings Health News to California; Don’t Let Mosquitoes Bite!; Ember Stomp 2025: Wildfire Safety Festival 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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💉 Why Newborns Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine: What You Should Know
If you're wondering why babies get the hepatitis B vaccine at birth—even when the mother tests negative—you're not alone. It's a common question, and the answer is backed by science and decades of real-world experience. Hepatitis B is a serious virus that affects the liver. It's much easier to catch than HIV, and babies who get it at birth are very likely to develop lifelong infections that can lead to liver disease or cancer. Before the vaccine was routine, over 18,000 children in the U.S. were infected each year. Today, that number has dropped by 95%. The vaccine is extremely safe. Giving it within 24 hours of birth provides immediate protection for the infant and helps build strong, long-lasting immunity, reducing the risk of infection from future hepatitis B virus (HBV) exposures during adolescence and adulthood.
📊 From Data to Insights: Matt Willis Brings Health News to California
Digging through research and statistics isn’t easy. During the pandemic, Katelyn Jetelina launched Your Local Epidemiologist to make complex information clear and understandable. It quickly became a trusted source, and now it’s expanding to California—with our own Matt Willis at the helm. As Marin County’s Health Officer for many years, Matt has a deep understanding of our community and a talent for turning local data into clear, meaningful insights. As a UC Berkeley Social Impact Fellow, he’s building on lessons learned here about the power of clear science communication. The newsletter is free and complements local updates by offering both regional and statewide perspectives on the health issues that affect us. We’re excited that even as YLE grows, Matt will continue sharing his expertise with Marin Public Health. To sign up for YLE in CA, go HERE.
🦟 Don’t Let Mosquitoes Bite!
Mosquitoes can spread diseases, so it’s important to protect yourself. Wear long sleeves and pants when you are outside. Use insect repellent on skin and clothing. Keep doors and windows closed or use screens. Empty standing water from buckets, toys, and plant pots—mosquitoes lay eggs there.
Two new mosquito-borne illnesses are being watched: Chikungunya can cause high fever and painful joints. Oropouche virus may cause fever, headache, and body aches. Most people get better, but both can make you feel very sick.
If you travel to places like China or Latin America, take extra care—mosquitoes there can carry these illnesses. Protecting yourself from bites is the best way to stay healthy.
🔥 Ember Stomp 2025: Wildfire Safety Festival
On Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM, the Marin Civic Center Fairgrounds in San Rafael will host Ember Stomp, a free, family-friendly wildfire prevention festival organized by Fire Safe Marin.
This immersive event features live burn demonstrations, a Kids Zone with games and face painting, fire-smart landscaping exhibits, emergency preparedness booths, and even “Goats at Work” to show how vegetation management is done. New for 2025 are interactive exhibits on climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and the latest fire suppression technology.
Families can also take part in a voluntary, countywide evacuation drill—pack your go-bag, drive to the fairgrounds, check in, and enjoy the festival while practicing important safety steps.
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
*The Central Marin/San Rafael service area includes the cities of San Rafael, Corte Madera, Larkspur, Ross Valley, and Fairfax. |
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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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