West Nile Virus Detected Locally

Early this month the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District reported the first dead bird infected with West Nile virus (WNV) for 2023 in our region. WNV is the most common and serious vector-borne disease in California. Clinicians should be aware that WNV season, typically later summer and fall, has begun in Marin. 

West Nile Virus disease should be considered in any person with a febrile or acute neurologic illness who has had recent exposure to mosquitoes, blood transfusion, or organ transplantation. WNV cases should be reported to Marin Public Health at MarinCD@marincounty.org with a CMR report and by phone to 415-473-4163 within one working day. For details on how to report click here. For more information on clinical evaluation, diagnostic testing, and treatment please refer to the CDC.

Aeromonas Causing Rash Illness in Tough Mudder Race Participants

Sonoma County Public Health has received reports of participants who developed a rash with fever, muscle pain and nausea after the Tough Mudder race at Sonoma Raceway on Aug. 19 and 20. Racers are drawn from across the region. Aeromonas has been identified as a cause, which responds to ciprofloxacin. For more information click here.

National Immunization Awareness Month

August is Immunization Awareness Month. Marin County has made remarkable progress in childhood vaccinations. In order to maintain high levels of protection during this season of back-to-school vaccines, Marin Public Health is reminding clinicians to refer to the CDC’s Catch-up Immunization Schedule. CDC also offers guidance in  how to recommend vaccinations to hesitant patients of all age groups.

A New RSV Immunization for Infants

Treating Opioid Use Disorder: DEA Training Requirement for All Licensees

Treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) reduces risk of overdose and the harm of long term addiction. The Medical Board of California is requiring licensees who are registering or renewing a DEA license to complete an eight hour training requirement.

Board licensees who completed their one-time 12-hour CME course on pain management and the treatment of terminally ill and dying patients may have already satisfied this requirement.

• Pain & Addiction: Essentials Online (6 hours)
• Moving Beyond the Barriers of Treating OUD (3 hours)
• Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder (4 hours)
• OUD Mini-Course: Treatment in the Emergency Department (1 hour)
• Buprenorphine Mini-Course: Building on Federal Prescribing Guidance (1 hour)
• 54th Annual Conference recordings 
• See the eLearning Center for more education options to fulfill this training

Suicide Prevention Resources

September is Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month. Suicide a leading cause of preventable death In Marin County. For people considering suicide, real time connection with another person can be a life-line. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or any mental health or substance use related distress. 

Healthcare providers should ensure their patients are aware of and can access 988 for times in need. Clinicians can also play a role in preventing suicide by joining the Marin County Suicide Prevention Collaborative for in person and virtual meetings throughout the year.  The collaborative’s schedule of events is HERE.