Public Health Status Update for 12/20/2024

Marin County Public Health Status Update for December 20, 2024, includes Bird Flu; Flu Season is Here; Where’s the Fentanyl Campaign; Find Your Way “By Youth, For Youth”; Holiday Stress; 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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Bird Flu

This week the Governor proclaimed an emergency to coordinate a multi-agency response to H5N1; and Marin County Public Health (MCPH) issued a public health advisory in response to increasing H5N1 transmission statewide. The recent case of the H5N1 avian flu in Louisiana underscores the risks to backyard poultry and those who handle them. CDC advises caution for people raising pet birds or interacting with wild birds. Individuals should avoid contact with sick or dead birds and take precautions, such as wearing protective gear, to prevent exposure. If you develop flu-like symptoms and have been in contact with wild birds, poultry or cattle, or if you have consumed raw milk products, visit your healthcare provider to coordinate testing with MCPH.

Flu Season is Here

Flu cases are now rising across the U.S., including California. Holiday travel and family gatherings will accelerate the transmission of respiratory illnesses like flu and COVID. MCPH recommends getting the flu vaccine now. Marin’s peak flu season occurs in mid- to late- January so you still have time. Even though the vaccine may not fully prevent infection, it can make symptoms milder and reduce spread. If you didn’t have COVID this year and/or if you are higher risk (65 years and older), now is also a good time to get your COVID-19 vaccine. You can receive both vaccines at the same time. To stay healthy, wash your hands frequently, cover coughs, and stay home if you're sick.

WTF – Where's the Fentanyl Campaign

From June 2023 to June 2024, drug overdose deaths decreased by 15% nationally, with California estimating a 10% drop. In Marin County, it's too early to confirm if overdose deaths are decreasing, but data from January-September 2024 shows a 20% drop in non-fatal opioid overdoses compared to 2023. Naloxone use is also increasing. While these trends are positive, some communities still face rising overdose deaths, including Black teens and young adults. Coordinated efforts like OD Free Marin are helping reduce overdoses and improve treatment access.

Find Your Way “By Youth, For Youth”

Last month we shared results from the 2023 CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which shows rising mental health challenges among high school students. In Marin, a new action-oriented collaborative, Marin 9 to 25, is bringing together youth and adults to support youth-led wellness initiatives that build connection and community. Early successes include care navigation in local schools and the Find Your Way “by youth, for youth” resource guide. Learn more, get involved and sign up for newsletter here.

Holiday Stress

The holiday season can be difficult for many people experiencing isolation, grief and loss, and anxiety or depression. Marin County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) reminds residents that help, and hope are just a call or text away. Any resident experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can contact the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “MARIN” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org. Marin residents seeking behavioral health services can call the 24-hour, confidential Access Line at 1-888-818-1115. Marin BHRS provides outpatient, residential, crisis services, and hospital care addressing specialty mental health and substance use service needs of Marin Medi-Cal beneficiaries and uninsured 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 Combined	Minimal	Increasing	Moderate	Increasing	Moderate	Increasing
Central Marin/San Rafael*	Minimal	Plateau	Moderate	Increasing	Moderate	Plateau
Marin (Novato)	Minimal	Plateau	Moderate	Increasing	Moderate	Increasing
Marin (Sausalito)	Minimal	Increasing	Moderate	Increasing	Moderate	Increasing
Marin (Las Gallinas)	Moderate	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

Public Health Status Update for 01/17/2025