Public Health Status Update for 11/01/2024

Marin County Public Health Status Update for November 01, 2024, includes Wildlife Surveillance at Olompali; Milk, Eggs and Bird Flu; Global Health and Hemorrhagic Fevers; Seasons Change; COVID-19 Historic Milestone; 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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Wildlife Surveillance at Olompali

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has reported a case of tularemia, commonly known as "rabbit fever," in a ground squirrel found sick at Olompali State Historic Park. The presence of F. tularensis is not surprising in California, as this bacterium is prevalent in rodents and rabbits. Tularemia can infect both people and animals through various means, including bites from infected ticks or direct contact with sick animals. Marin County Public Health collaborates with the CDFW, and state parks to monitor diseases affecting both wildlife and humans. There is no risk to the public; we encourage Marin residents to visit Olompali, a treasured open space where you can see structures representative of a Coast Miwok village.

Milk, Eggs and Bird Flu

As of October 29, 2024, 387 confirmed cases of influenza A (H5N1) have been reported in livestock across 14 U.S. states, including 186 dairy cattle herds in California. A total of 528 dairy herds in California are under surveillance. CDPH has also confirmed H5N1 in two poultry flocks. As of October 29, California has confirmed 16 human cases. There are no reports of animal or human H5N1 cases in Marin County at this time. CDPH is actively addressing H5N1 in dairy cattle, focusing on potential farm worker exposures and risks related to raw dairy products. The risk to the general public remains low. The ongoing bird flu outbreak has contributed to rising prices for milk and eggs, as producers face increased production costs and reduced supply. Marin County Public Health advises residents to choose pasteurized milk and dairy foods.

Global Health and Hemorrhagic Fevers

Travel and climate change can increase the chances of people getting serious illnesses like Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa fever. This week, the Iowa Department of Health confirmed that a person died from Lassa fever after coming back from West Africa. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is watching an outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease in Rwanda, which is similar to Ebola. Before you travel, you should check the CDC’s Travel Health Notices to stay updated on health risks around the world. Marin County Public Health and local health partners are ready to act quickly to stop any possible local cases. Right now, there are no Marburg cases in the United States, and the risk of infection with this virus is extremely low.

Seasons Change

As we begin our transition to winter, it’s crucial to stay prepared for the colder months ahead. Now is the time to get your vaccinations and ensure your family stays ready for emergencies, like floods and power outages. Review your emergency plans and stock up on supplies. Sign up for AlertMarin and review planning tools at Ready Marin. Get up to date information at the Marin County Emergency Information Portal.

COVID-19 Historic Milestone

For the first time since March 2020, there have been no reported COVID-19 cases in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and congregate settings in Marin County. This landmark achievement reflects the effectiveness of vaccination efforts, enhanced safety protocols, and community safeguards like masking. As we celebrate this significant milestone, continued vigilance remains crucial to maintaining these gains and protecting vulnerable populations. To this end, this week Marin County Public Health issued an advisory to local health care and residential care facilities urging the implementation of masking policies during the winter respiratory virus season to protect medically frail and immunocompromised patients and residents. Staff and visitors are strongly encouraged to wear high-quality, well-fitted masks when in close contact with patients and residents.

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	Minimal	Decreasing	Low	Decreasing	Minimal	Decreasing
San Rafael / Larkspur	Minimal	Decreasing	Minimal	Plateau	Minimal	Decreasing
Novato	Minimal	Decreasing	Moderate	Decreasing	Minimal	Plateau

Resource Link Library

How to protect yourself

CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.

What to do if

You’ve tested Positive, or you've been exposed to someone with COVID-19

Online Resources

Stay Informed

Public Health Status Update for 12/06/2024