County of Marin Health and Human Services

Public Health Newsletter - September 2019

Public Health Newsletter - September 2019
Marin County Public Health Newsletter Volume 7 - Issue 9 - September 2019
In this Issue: Flu | Bullying | Measles | Rabies | Stop the Bleed | Message from the Public Health Officer
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A message to physicians and other health care providers from Marin County's Public Health Officer.

Flu Update

Last year, Marin County was highly impacted by influenza.  This month, there have already been two reported deaths in the Bay Area.  Vaccination remains our best line of defense for health care providers and patients alike.  On November 1st, the Mandatory Influenza Vaccination of All Health Care Workers goes into effect.  Marin County's Immunization Program is also offering free flu clinics throughout the county.  Visit www.marinflu.org for the most up-to-date information about current influenza activity in Marin.

Standing Up Against Bullying

Bullying has potentially life-long effects on mental health and well-being.  The Marin County Office of Education and many local schools are working with Sandy Hook Promise to support safe school environments.  Last week, schools across the county participated in Sandy Hook Promise's "Start with Hello" campaign.  Students and school staff are increasing awareness about the risks of social isolation, which includes bullying, violence or depression.  Marin schools are supporting health by encouraging students to lead a culture of inclusion and connectedness.

Measles 

In 2000, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the United States had eliminated measles.  Recent outbreaks have shown this was sadly premature.  Because many providers have not seen active measles, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created two videos  that describe the clinical features of measles, including diagnosis, treatment and infection control measures.  This year, there have been 5 measles outbreaks in California, 4 of which were linked to international travel.  Providers should make sure patients have measles protection before international travel.

World Rabies Day

World Rabies Day is September 28th.  Rabies circulates in Marin County wildlife, and one in ten local bats tested are rabid.  Clinicians can help by making sure that anyone exposed to domestic or wild animal bites is evaluated for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).  Marin County Public Health created a poster to help remind clinicians about how to administer PEP.  The poster can be downloaded here.

Public Health Program Spotlight:  Stop the Bleed 

The Marin County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency's partnership with Marin County schools was recently highlighted in the Marin IJ.  This month, EMS distributed more than 600 "Stop the Bleed" kits to high schools across the county.  EMS is responsible for the planning, implementation and evaluation of prehospital services.  It works with stakeholders to maintain a high quality, coordinated system of emergency medical care for All in Marin.  EMS also works in partnership with local hospitals, fire departments and the Marin Medical Reserve Corps on community preparedness activities, including Sidewalk CPR.

Message from the Public Health Officer

Matthew Willis Marin County PHO HeadshotThis month offered another unwelcome example of the risks of vaping, with more reports of e-cigarette-related deaths.  I hope I captured our concerns as a medical community in this op-ed last week.  Clinicians can refer interested community members to a public forum on vaping, co-sponsored by Marin Public Health, on October 7.  As always, please send recommendations for future topics, and thank you for all you do.
Warm Regards,
Matt Willis
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Copyright © 2019
Matthew Willis MD, MPH
Marin County Public Health Officer
mwillis@marincounty.org
(415) 473-4163
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