Marin County Public Health Status Update: January 12, 2024

Marin County Public Health Status Update: January 12, 2024 

The Marin County Public Health Status Update is published weekly to share news and resources related to pandemic response and recovery, emergency preparedness, and other public health priorities.     

Para leer esta página en español, visite: "Actualización del estado de salud pública para el 1/12/2024" y desplácese hacia arriba y haga clic en el enlace que dice "Translate" (Traducir) y elija "Spanish" (español).  

Respiratory Virus Season Update  

Winter respiratory virus season continues to accelerate in our community. For the past two weeks, more than one in ten visits to Marin County Emergency Departments have been due to respiratory virus symptoms. COVID-19 hospitalizations have risen 75% in the past week as the JN.1 variant spreads. Clinical testing and wastewater levels reveal the surge is due to a combination of flu, COVID-19, RSV and other viruses. Vaccination, and masking in crowded indoor settings, remains the most effective tools to stay healthy.    

Support for Men & Boys’ Mental Health  

In Marin, males account for 3 out of 4 suicides and overdoses. Men and boys often struggle to recognize personal crisis or seek help. Marin Behavioral Health & Recovery Services has formed the Men and Boys Action Team, who meet regularly to talk through shared challenges and offer mutual support. Led by individuals with firsthand experiences, the group is friendly and welcoming for any men and boys over age 13. 

Measles Reminder 

A measles outbreak among unvaccinated people in Philadelphia has led to four hospitalizations so far. This is a reminder of the role of vaccine in preventing measles outbreaks and serious infections. Marin County measles vaccine rates among children entering school have risen to 99%, the highest rates on record, and among the highest in the state. 

Cardiovascular Mortality Drives Local Life Expectancy Gap 

Marin Public Health's epidemiology team recently published an analysis of differences in life expectancy (LE) between groups within Marin. While Marin’s average LE is among the longest in the state, the team found a 15-year gap in longevity between communities. This health inequity is driven mainly by preventable cardiovascular mortality in lower income communities, and especially impacts African American residents. Promoting longevity for all communities is a priority for Marin Public Health and the local healthcare providers. Stay informed at MarinHHS.org/Marin-County-Life-Expectancy