Department News

Coastline on a grassy bluff overseeing a rugged coast.
3/27/2026

Deceased Sea Lion Found in San Luis Obispo County Tests Positive for H5N1 (Bird Flu)

While the risk of H5N1 to the public remains low, officials ask community members and visitors to avoid approaching marine mammals and seabirds and report them instead through the appropriate channels.
Dr. Penny Borenstein speaking to students in a classroom, plus a view of her briefing the press during the COVID-19 pandemic
3/19/2026

SLO County Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein to Retire After 18 Years of Public Health Leadership

After nearly two decades of leading the County Public Health Department, Dr. Penny Borenstein has announced her retirement, effective July 3, 2026.
A bar graph showing COVID-19 and flu vaccinations in recent years with the highest being COVID-19 from 2020 through 2022.
1/7/2026

SLO County Public Health Launches Enhanced Dashboard to Track Respiratory Virus Season

See the redesigned, interactive COVID-19, influenza, and RSV data dashboard.
Hills lit by golden sunset
12/17/2025

SLO County Public Health Department Confirms First Case of Measles in Years; Advises Vigilance and Vaccination

First confirmed case of measles in SLO County since 2018. The best protection is to be vaccinated.
Death cap mushroom growing on the forest floor.
12/12/2025

Officials Warn Against Consuming Foraged Wild Mushrooms

Avoid foraging and consuming wild mushrooms—a statewide health advisory follows a recent outbreak of amatoxin poisoning linked to wild mushrooms.
Emergency medical care represented by a woman and man rolling a stretcher into an ambulance.
12/11/2025

SLO County Public Health Department Seeking Volunteers to Serve on Emergency Medical Care Committee

A call for volunteers to serve on the SLO County Emergency Medical Care Committee.