Marin County Public Health Status Update for September 05, 2025, includes COVID-19 Vaccination; Valley Fever on the Rise; Chagas in the News: Ember Stomp 2025; Countywide Evacuation Drill; 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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COVID-19 Vaccination
On August 19th, Marin County Public Health (MCPH) issued an advisory for the upcoming respiratory season, recommending that everyone 6 months and older receive the updated 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine. The advisory comes amid federal uncertainty and recent Senate hearings that have raised concerns about potential disruptions to vaccine access nationwide. In response, California has partnered with two other states to form the Western Health Alliance, an initiative aimed at keeping vaccine guidance grounded in rigorous, evidence-based science. Marin County Public Health is working closely with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), local healthcare providers, and pharmacies to ensure that vaccines remain accessible to all residents.
Valley Fever on the Rise
Valley Fever is a lung infection caused by a fungus growing in dry, dusty soil. After wet winters, spores form, then spread through windy, dry weather. In California, there were over 6,700 cases reported through July 2025, up from the 10-year average of 3,833 for the same period. Though Marin County has relatively few cases compared to places like Kern or Monterey, some Bay Area counties have now passed 100 cases in 2025. Climate change worsens the problem by boosting wet-dry cycles and dust events that help the fungus spread faster. Learn more at Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis).
Chagas in the News
MCPH, in coordination with CDPH, will begin monitoring possible cases of Chagas disease out of an abundance of caution. Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and spread by kissing bugs. It is most often linked to exposure in South and Central America, though rare cases of local transmission have been reported in California. Warmer temperatures and shifting habitats from climate change may expand the range of insects that spread this disease. While there is no cause for alarm, we are increasing awareness, testing, and follow-up to understand potential risks better and protect community health.
Ember Stomp 2025
Ember Stomp 2025, hosted by Fire Safe Marin, is Marin County’s annual wildfire safety festival. This event, scheduled for September 6th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Marin Fairgrounds, aims to help residents prepare for the health and safety impacts of wildfire. Families will learn practical steps to improve indoor air quality, create a defensible space, and plan for evacuation. A live burn demonstration will show how ember-resistant building materials and home retrofits can slow the spread of fire. Marin’s public safety agencies and community partners will be on hand to provide resources and education to strengthen Marin’s readiness.
Countywide Evacuation Drill
Marin residents are invited to take part in the Countywide Evacuation Drill on September 6, 2025, organized by Fire Safe Marin and public safety partners. Together, Ember Stomp and the evacuation drill provide families with the tools and practice needed to protect health, strengthen readiness, and build resilience as wildfire risks increase. Learn more at Fire Safe Marin.
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 |
Moderate |
Decreasing |
Minimal |
Plateau |
Minimal |
Plateau |
|
Central Marin/San Rafael* |
Moderate |
Plateau |
Minimal
|
Plateau |
Minimal
|
Plateau |
|
Marin (Las Gallinas) |
High |
Decreasing |
Minimal
|
Plateau
|
Minimal
|
Plateau
|
|
Marin (Novato) |
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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