TB on the Rise in Marin

Last week we Marin County Public Health (MCPH) issued an Advisory on an increase in TB cases countywide. In 2024, we treated 13 active TB cases — a 44% increase from 2023 and a 225% increase from 2022. While many cases result from reactivation of latent TB infection (LTBI) in older adults and high-risk groups, we are seeing more U.S.-born residents in local transmission patterns. MCPH and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) are investigating a large TB outbreak. Three healthcare workers, including first responders, were diagnosed with new TB infections in the past year. California law requires primary care providers to assess adult patients for TB risk. Please review TB risk factors with your patients at their next visit.

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Protecting Young Lives: Teen Driver Safety

We are deeply saddened by the recent loss of four young lives in our community. This tragedy underscores the critical reality that motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death among U.S. teens. As prom and graduation season approaches—a time of both celebration and increased risk—it is vital that we work together to promote teen driver safety. Healthcare providers can play a key role by counseling families about the dangers of distracted and impaired driving, encouraging clear driving rules, and promoting safe decision-making. Impact Teen Drivers – California offers free, evidence-based resources for parents, teens, and educators to help prevent accidents.

Protecting Patient Care Amid Rising Deportations

The new administration’s immigration policies focus on ramping up border restrictions and interior enforcement, including rescinding protections at sensitive locations including health care facilities. These actions heighten fear among immigrant families, including U.S.-born children, impacting health, well-being, and access to care.  Detentions and deportations create fear and trauma in families, leading to mental health struggles and causing many to avoid seeking needed health care. Health care providers can support immigrant families by creating safe, welcoming environments, reinforcing patient confidentiality, developing protocols for potential encounters with immigration enforcement, and ensuring access to essential care.

Message from the Health Officer

When I heard about the Woodacre accident, my heart — like the hearts of so many in Marin — broke. My children are 12 and 14 years old; it easily could have been them. As our family prayed for the grieving families and friends, we also took time to talk about the importance of safe driving. In our daily gratitude practice, we reflected on how much we take for granted in this fragile, precious, and fleeting life. Even as we continued with the routines of daily life, the weight of the community’s grief stayed with us — a reminder of how deeply we are all connected in times of sorrow. Let’s look out for each other and drive with extra care — every choice we make can mean everything to someone else.

Lisa Santora, MD MPH
Public Health Officer
 

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