Press Releases
Marion County has experienced another increase in the number of newly reported COVID-19 cases. The community’s positivity rate also has risen.
May 18, 2022 17:36:00
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County provides an update on the current national infant formula shortage
The Department of Health in Marion County is monitoring the current infant formula shortage and takes this life-threatening issue very seriously. On May 12, 2022, State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo sent a letter to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf regarding the formula shortages affecting some of Florida’s most vulnerable populations. DOH-Marion wants to ensure our community is kept up to date on this issue and has the correct information on how to protect your family.
May 17, 2022 10:02:00
National organization recognizes DOH-Marion staff for pandemic response
A national public health membership group has recognized several Department of Health in Marion County personnel for the innovative ways they tackled problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Association of County and City Health Officials, or NACCHO, also has invited these DOH-Marion staffers to present their projects at the group’s national conference, scheduled for July 19-21 in Atlanta.
May 16, 2022 17:12:00
DOH-Marion encourages the public to ‘BE FAST’ with stopping strokes
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County recognizes May as Stroke Awareness Month, an observance that highlights the importance of knowing risk factors, symptoms, and prevention tips of stroke. Nationally as well as for Florida, stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a major cause of serious disability for adults. Although stroke risk increases with age, a stroke can happen at any age.
May 09, 2022 14:03:00
The Marion County Community Health Survey is underway

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County and its partners at AdventHealth Ocala and the WellFlorida Council are seeking the community’s input for our new health survey. As of today, we are inviting the Marion County residents to visit tinyurl.com/MarionHealthSurvey to help us learn which health and wellness issues are most important to them.
May 09, 2022 10:36:00
Marion County sees another increase in COVID-19 cases, positivity rate
The number of newly reported COVID-19 cases in Marion County has increased again. The community’s positivity rate was also up.
April 29, 2022 17:54:00
Raccoon in Citra tests positive for rabies
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County wants Citra-area residents to be aware that a raccoon in their community tested positive for rabies. People who live or work in that area should pay close attention, especially those who live north of County Road 329, south of County Road 316, east of U.S. 441 and west of Northeast 47th Avenue. The positive test results indicate rabies is active in that area.
April 25, 2022 10:33:00
New COVID-19 cases and positivity rate are up slightly in Marion County
Newly reported COVID-19 cases and the positivity rate rose slightly in Marion County recently.
April 20, 2022
Florida Department of Health in Marion County hosts free workshop dinner about self-discovery for young men
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County’s BRAZEN program, whose mission is to educate young people on risk avoidance, is helping in this endeavor by sponsoring a free workshop and dinner for adults and youth age 11 or older. The theme is “Man in the Mirror – a conversation for men, by men.”
April 08, 2022 17:45:00
Department of Health in Marion County advises on meningococcal disease and vaccines in Florida
The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is responding to an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Florida. However, it can be prevented and treated. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against meningococcal disease.
March 25, 2022 11:52:00
Marion County reaches new lows for COVID-19 cases, positivity rate
The number of newly reported COVID-19 cases in Marion County and the local positivity rate both dropped to the lowest levels recorded since the state switched to a weekly reporting system last June.
March 11, 2022
Keep safe during Spring Break: For success, think 4-S
Spring Break has arrived in Marion County. Undoubtedly, many local families will travel or head outdoors for recreation. The Department of Health in Marion County and Safe Kids Marion County encourage families to stay safe during this upcoming week. One way to do that is be mindful of the “Four S” method.
March 11, 2022
Number of new COVID-19 cases drops for 8th consecutive week in Marion County, positivity rate also falls
Marion County’s number of new COVID-19 cases and positivity rate both continued their downward trajectory over the past week. According to the most recent state report, released Friday, the key points for Marion County during the week of March 4 to March 10 were: New cases: 125. That was down from 235 the prior week. Positivity rate: 2.4%. That was down from 3.6% the previous week.
The number of new COVID-19 cases and the community’s positivity rate both fell even further over the past week.
March 04, 2022 16:30:00
Health officials issue blue-green algae bloom alert for Orange Lake
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County has issued a Health Alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in Orange Lake, near McIntosh. This is in response to a water sample taken on March 1 by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The public should exercise caution in and around Orange Lake.
The number of new COVID-19 cases in Marion County and the local positivity rate both continue to drop. According to the most recent state report, released Friday, here are the key points for Marion County for the week of Feb. 18-24: New cases: 419. That was down from 708 the prior week. New cases have plunged 92% since Jan. 13, when a record 5,536 new cases were reported. The county’s cumulative total as of Feb. 24: 82,669. Positivity rate: 6.9%. That was down from 10.3% the prior week. The rate is at its lowest level since Dec. 23. Statewide positivity rate: 5.6%. Vaccines: 128. That was down from 161 the prior week. Percentage of county residents 5 or older who have been vaccinated: 63%.
February 23, 2022 09:30:00
The ‘World’s Greatest Baby Shower’ happens Saturday
New parents or soon-to-be parents have an opportunity to grab some swag and some advice on boosting their parenting skills by attending the annual “World’s Greatest Baby Shower” on Saturday. The event is scheduled 1–3 p.m. on Feb. 26 at the Kingdom Revival Church, 3318 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, adjacent to the Publix in the Forty East Shopping Center.
February 16, 2022 10:45:00
New COVID-19 testing site in Ocala is closed
Statlab Mobile, a mobile clinical testing service, has stopped offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing at the campus of the former Evergreen Elementary School in Ocala, the Florida Department of Health in Marion County announced on Thursday.
New COVID-19 cases in Marion County continue to wane, according to the most recent state report, released Friday. For the fourth consecutive week, Marion County reported fewer COVID-19 cases than it did the week prior, the report indicates. The local positivity rate also declined again.
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