Mpox

Slapped Cheek Disease

Human parvovirus B19 is a respiratory virus that causes "fifth disease," a common childhood illness with symptoms like a "slapped cheek" rash, fever, and joint pain. While usually mild, it can cause serious illness in pregnant and immunocompromised persons.  This month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an alert advising providers and the public of a significant increase in human parvovirus B19 activity in the United States.  Providers should have increased suspicion for parvovirus B19 in patients presenting with fever and rash.  This is also an opportunity to promote CDC recommendations for core prevention strategies to prevent respiratory illness, including practicing good hand hygiene and masking to reduce spread of parvovirus B19 and other respiratory viruses.

Shigella

This month, the CDPH alerted healthcare providers of a rise in extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Shigella strains in California. The majority of drug-resistant cases have been among self-identified men who have sex with men (MSM). Healthcare providers should tailor any shigellosis antibiotic treatment to available antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) data, and counsel patients at increased risk of infection on prevention and risk reduction practices.

COVID-19 Vaccine is Here

Marin continues to experience a surge in Covid activity.  Fortunately, COVID-19 vaccines are arriving to Marin next month.  The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. Patients are eligible for a vaccine if it has been more than 2 months since their last Covid infection, but from an immunological perspective, it is optimal to receive an updated vaccine 4 – 6 months after infection.  It is important to remember that you can co-administer the COVID-19 and other vaccines, including flu. Our vaccine finder page has links to Marin locations offering the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

Tobacco Cessation

Ember Stomp

Join Marin Public Health on September 7^th at Fire Safe Marin’s Ember Stomp, a free wildfire prevention festival at the Marin County Fairgrounds. The event will feature Marin County Fire's simulation of the historic September 1923 fire, which burned large swaths of Marin County.  While fire prevention efforts are reducing the risk of wildfire, we have already experienced multiple fires this season.  Health care providers should review wildfire readiness, including preparedness for extended power outages, with medically frail patients, including those with chronic respiratory diseases.

Message from the Deputy Public Health Officer

As school gets underway, it's time to refocus on fundamental aspects of our well-being, starting with social connectedness. Building and maintaining connections is crucial for our community's resilience. Next month, as we observe Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month, the theme will be "Ask, Listen, Connect." You can explore more about fostering connections by visiting the Marin Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) website.
Our commitment to checking in on one another is vital not only for supporting mental health but also for preparing for and responding to emergencies. September is National Preparedness Month, a perfect opportunity to ensure we’re all ready for unexpected situations. I encourage you to take a moment this month to reach out to an older neighbor who lives alone. Your effort can make a significant difference.

In Gratitude,

Lisa M. Santora, MD, MPH
Deputy Public Health Officer
 

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