Marin County Public Health Status Update for October 17, 2025, includes, WIC is Open and Serving Families!; A Simple Talk Can Save a Life: Protecting Kids from Fentanyl; Kratom and Marin County: What You Should Know; Vax Your Pet; Winter Virus Surge Expected - Layer Up with Masks and Vaccines; Celebrating Women’s Health and Connection in Marin City; and Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance.
The Marin County Public Health Status Update is published on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month to share local news and resources on public health priorities.
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WIC is Open and Serving Families!
While the federal government remains shut down, California WIC continues to enroll and support participants. Keep using your benefits and attending your appointments. Visit the MyFamily website and check the California WIC App for alerts, appointment reminders, and benefit details.
A Simple Talk Can Save a Life: Protecting Kids from Fentanyl
Fentanyl is continuing to show up in fake pills and powders in Marin County. Fentanyl is involved in at least two-thirds of youth overdoses. Talking with your kids about drugs can feel hard, but it’s one of the most powerful things you can do to keep them safe. The New Drug Talk California campaign makes it easier with real-life conversation guides, short videos, and trustworthy facts. Visit thenewdrugtalk.org/california to get started. A simple, honest talk today could save a life tomorrow.
Kratom and Marin County: What You Should Know
OD Free Marin, along with Marin Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS), the Coroner’s Office, and our Epidemiology team, is monitoring local and national concerns about kratom, a plant-based supplement used recreationally for pain, energy, and mood. Los Angeles County Public Health (LACDPH) has reported some deaths where synthetic kratom was involved. So far, there have been no deaths in Marin County caused only by kratom. However, kratom has shown up in some overdose cases where it was listed as one of the drugs that contributed to the person’s death. The state is currently considering AB 1088, legislation introduced to regulate and prohibit certain sales of kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Residents should stay informed, avoid unregulated substances, and talk with a health provider before using herbal products. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, call the Marin BHRS Access Line at 1-888-818-1115 for support.
Vax Your Pet
About one in ten bats tested in Marin County carries rabies. This deadly virus poses a serious risk to both people and animals—especially outdoor cats and local wildlife. By law, all cats and dogs in Marin County must be vaccinated against rabies. Unvaccinated pets that bite or are exposed to other animals may be subject to lengthy quarantine periods. Encounters between pets and raccoons are common in Marin, and raccoons can carry rabies. Fortunately, squirrels are rarely infected with the disease. Residents are urged to ensure pets are registered, up to date on rabies vaccinations, and to report any animal bites promptly to Marin Humane. Marin Humane also provides guidance on safe bat handling and removal assistance.
Winter Virus Surge Expected - Layer Up with Masks and Vaccines
On October 9, 2025, Marin County Public Health issued an advisory recommending that all healthcare and long-term care facilities implement masking policies to prepare for an expected winter surge in respiratory illnesses. We anticipate rising cases of RSV in October and November, increasing flu activity beginning in December, and another COVID-19 surge after the new year. The overlap of these viruses could strain hospitals and care facilities across Marin. To reduce spread and protect vulnerable residents, Marin County Public Health urges everyone to stay up to date on COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines, wear well-fitting masks in higher-risk settings, and stay home when sick.
Celebrating Women’s Health and Connection in Marin City
The Marin County Cooperation Team (MCCT), lead agency for the Southern Marin Community Resiliency Team, invites you to the Transitions Through: Connection, Conversation, and Care Health Fair on Tuesday, October 28, from 3:30–6:30 PM at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 101 Donahue Street, Marin City. This gathering is a celebration of women at every stage of life. In honor of Menopause Awareness Month this October, we’ll come together for open, honest conversations about the mental, emotional, and physical transitions that shape not only our individual journeys, but also our families and communities. Come for free mammograms and health screenings, music, prizes, and an afternoon of joy, care, and connection. Bring your mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. All are welcome.
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.
Help Shape Marin County’s New Respiratory Virus Dashboard
We’re creating a one-stop page for COVID-19, flu, RSV, and wastewater data. Your input will help us make it useful, relevant, and easy to navigate. The survey is anonymous, takes only 5–10 minutes to complete, and should be filled out only once. Take the survey: https://forms.gle/wJW4VMarwAE5TqCe6
Respiratory Virus Surveillance Site Trends and Levels
|
Virus Type |
COVID |
Influenza |
RSV |
|||
|
Levels and Trends |
Level |
Trend |
Level |
Trend |
Level |
Trend |
|
All Sites Combined |
Minimal
|
Decreasing |
Minimal |
Plateau |
Minimal
|
Increasing
|
|
Central Marin/San Rafael* |
Minimal
|
Decreasing
|
Minimal
|
Plateau
|
Minimal
|
Increasing
|
|
Marin (Las Gallinas) |
Minimal
|
Decreasing
|
Minimal
|
Plateau
|
Minimal
|
Plateau
|
|
Marin (Novato) |
Minimal
|
Decreasing
|
Minimal
|
Plateau
|
Minimal
|
Increasing
|
*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 Support 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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