Public Health Status Update for 12/06/2024

Marin County Public Health Status Update for December 6, 2024, includes Marin County Investigating Possible Case of Bird Flu; National Influenza Vaccination Week; Tsunami Warnings; King Tides Season; Marin City Flood Resilience Project; World AIDS Day; 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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Marin County Investigating Possible Case of Bird Flu

Since March 2024, Marin County Public Health (MCPH) has been monitoring the H5N1 bird flu outbreak. The virus is now widely circulating among wild birds, poultry, and livestock across California. On November 27, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued another warning against consuming raw milk products after the bird flu virus was found in retail samples and bulk tank milk at a raw milk processing facility. Today the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announced the start of a National Milk Testing Strategy. Sporadic human infections with bird flu are expected during an outbreak. Last month, the Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD) confirmed a bird flu case with an unknown source of exposure. Last week MCPH began investigating a possible bird flu case in a child and is working with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to confirm if it is a case and determine how the child may have been exposed.

National Influenza Vaccination Week

The flu vaccine prevents millions of cases, thousands of hospitalizations, and deaths every year. Here are some common facts:

The flu vaccine can't give you the flu; it contains no active virus.

While it’s effective (40-60%), it’s not perfect and may take 2 weeks for full protection.

The flu vaccine is updated yearly to match new strains.

Serious side effects, like Guillain-Barre syndrome, are rare, and the risk is lower than from getting the flu itself.

Now is a great time to visit your healthcare provider or pharmacy and get your seasonal vaccines, including RSV, COVID and Flu.

Tsunami Warnings

This week the National Tsunami Warning Center sent out a broad multi-state alert based on data-informed earthquake response protocols. Messages popped up on cell phones across the county warning residents to move to higher ground. After data from deep ocean sensors and coastal tide stations confirmed that no tsunami was occurring, the Warning Center canceled the warning at 11:54 a.m. While we avoided damage and harm, it is important to stay ready for earthquakes and tsunamis alike. There might not time to issue a warning for a tsunami threat following a local earthquake. An earthquake felt by people along the coastline is a signal to move immediately to higher ground. Marin County residents can visit the California Tsunami Maps to see if their address is in a hazard area.

King Tides Season

In Marin County, seasonal high tides, also known as king tides, can cause flooding along the shoreline and some low-lying roads. This flooding can happen even without rain, but storms can make it worse, pushing water levels higher. According to the NOAA, these high tides are expected to occur from December 11-17, and again in January. Flooding during these times could affect travel and commutes, making climate action and flood preparedness even more important for our community’s safety. Sign up for emergency alerts at AlertMarin.org and stay up to date at Public Emergency Portal - Marin County. Get information at ReadyMarin.org on how to keep your family safe, warm, and fed in the event of a flood.

Marin City Flood Resilience Project

Marin City residents recently celebrated the start of the Marin City Flood Resilience Project, a major step in improving flood safety and public health. Terrie Green, executive director of Marin City Climate Resilience and Health Justice, played a key role in advocating for the project. The initiative, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will address flooding and create a healthier, safer environment for all. Read more in the November 7th Marin IJ article.

World AIDS Day

December 1st marked the 38th anniversary of World AIDS Day. It is a day we can reflect on how far we've come in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Access to treatment has dramatically improved, but prevention and early intervention remain crucial. With early diagnosis and timely treatment, HIV can be managed effectively, preventing the spread of the virus, and ensuring a healthier life. Marin County Public Health is proud to be part of the Ryan White Program, offering services and supports to persons living with HIV/AIDS in Marin County. We are also focused on access to testing and educating the public and healthcare providers about the benefits of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). Join the Marin HIV/AIDS Care Council tonight at Vivalon to celebrate.

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	Minimal	Increasing	Moderate	Increasing	Moderate	Increasing
Central Marin/San Rafael*	Minimal	Increasing	Moderate	Increasing	Low	Increasing
Marin (Novato)	Minimal	Increasing	Moderate	Increasing	Moderate	Increasing

*The Central Marin/San Rafael service area includes the cities of San Rafael, Corte Madera, Larkspur, Ross Valley, and Fairfax.

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

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