Weekly report issued Feb. 23 from Marin County Public Health Department:
TRENDING DOWN
For the first time this respiratory virus season, influenza, RSV and COVID-19 levels are all trending downward in Marin County. While transmission rates remain elevated, the timing of this decline is consistent with prior seasons. RSV and influenza are more reliably seasonal (typically October through March); whereas COVID-19 is unpredictable and subject to surges any time of year based on emerging strains and other factors. Marin County Public Health will continue to monitor and report virus levels to keep our community informed.
MARIN ‘HEALTHIEST’ COUNTY
Marin County was recently ranked the healthiest county in the United States in an analysis performed by MarketWatch, mirroring results from the annual County Health Rankings. However, significant health disparities exist within Marin that are hidden by county-level averages. More precise local data is needed to describe gaps, guide equity strategies and track progress. Last week, Marin Public Health epidemiologists launched a new dashboard to describe health factors in four Health Equity Zones. The team also created a dashboard focused on life expectancy across the county. Marin County government, healthcare and community partners are committed to ensuring every resident has the same opportunity for long and healthy life.
TB IN MARIN
Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of infectious disease death globally. Though TB is relatively well controlled in the U.S., infections are on the rise partly due to reductions in screening rates during the pandemic. Marin experiences an average of about 10 active TB cases annually, and all cases are preventable. Serious TB disease is effectively prevented with testing and treatment of TB in its earliest stages. Marin Public Health is working to remind clinicians “Think TB” as cases rise, and test at-risk residents following guidance from California Department of Public Health TB Risk Assessment (ca.gov).
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