Rabies Found in Fortuna Fox That Bit Teen

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Image of a fox from here.

Press release from the Department of Health & Human Services:

A fox believed to have bitten a Fortuna teen and behaved aggressively at two locations has tested positive for rabies. The test was performed today at the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) Public Health Laboratory in Eureka.

The two incidents took place in the 6500 block of Rohnerville Road. Investigators believe the same fox was likely involved in both encounters.

“We all need to be aware of the signs that an animal may be dangerous and take the appropriate steps to stay safe, especially in our rural area,” said 2nd District Supervisor Estelle Fennell, adding that her heart goes out to the teen who went through this difficult experience.

The fox reportedly bit the teenager shortly after chasing a neighbor’s cat and running into a house. The fox then reportedly charged a homeowner, who shot the animal in the head. The teenager has received prophylactic treatment. No one else was injured.

Experts say rabies is always present in the wildlife population throughout Humboldt County, especially among skunks, bats and foxes.

Preventive measures include avoiding contact with wild and stray animals, bringing pet foods indoors at night, reporting animal bites to your county or municipal animal control officer, and if you are bitten, washing the bite immediately with soap and water and seeking medical attention.

Public Health officials stressed the importance of fully vaccinating domestic animals against rabies, including dogs, cats and select livestock.

Reduced-cost vaccinations are available throughout the county. A list of discounted vaccination clinics through the middle of June is posted on DHHS’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/humcodhhs.

Questions about rabies may be directed to the DHHS Division of Environmental Health at 707-445-6215 or toll free at 800-963-9241.

Want to get your animals vaccinated? Here’s a list the DHHS put together.

Discount vaccine clinics in Humboldt County:

The Humboldt-Del Norte Veterinary Medical Association is sponsoring a countywide low cost canine rabies vaccination clinic. The association offers these low cost canine rabies clinics as a public service.

They will be vaccinating dogs at the cost of $10 per rabies vaccination. Other canine and feline vaccinations will be available. The costs of these vaccines will vary with the clinic.

Date
Location
Time
Saturday, May 14
Ferndale Veterinary Hospital
10 a.m. to noon

Redwood Animal Hospital
10 to 11 a.m.
Saturday, May 21
Riverwalk Veterinary Hospital
11 a.m. to noon

Fortuna Veterinary Hospital
10 a.m. to noon
Wednesday, May 25
Petrolia Grange
10 a.m. to noon
Saturday, June 4
Myrtle Avenue Veterinary Hospital
noon to 1 p.m.

Trinity Animal Hospital Weaverville Clinic
8:30 to 11 a.m.

Junction City Grange Hall
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Hawkins Bar Mini Mart
2 to 3 p.m.

Fortuna Animal Medical Center
11 a.m. to noon
Wednesday, June 15
Arcata Animal Hospital
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday through Saturday
Cutten Animal Hospital
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Additionally, Cutten Animal Hospital will be providing low-cost vaccines from now through June 15, Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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7 Comments
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Mogtx
Guest
7 years ago

Poor kid us gonna have all those shots In the gut . Bummer.

hmm
Guest
hmm
7 years ago
Reply to  Mogtx

yeah, if he time travels back 4 decades he will.

gazoo
Guest
gazoo
7 years ago

sucks! hope the victim is ok and didnt get to traumatized

Anon Forrest
Guest
7 years ago

Times have changed, thankfully. Not to down-play the danger, but I was bit a couple of years ago and driving to the ER had dread in my mind. BUT, turns out it’s a total of 6 visits, quick time. The first is a HONKING big shot in the butt (gamma globulin ) with a “test” shot (arm) of the vaccine. No big deal.
The next ones went in my arm too, but if the bite had been deeper, at least one more would have been injected at the site of the bite itself.
The last dose (arm) was a greater volume of the vaccine, and stung.
But that was it, and now I’m immune…. It’s an empowering thought!
I urge folks to get their cats immunized; some folks think cats don’t get it…Wrong. And I always immunized my horses because they are apt to be bit when nuzzling something drowning in their water through. Be safe. af

gazoo
Guest
gazoo
7 years ago
Reply to  Anon Forrest

thanks for the info! glad you came out well!

Junia
Guest
Junia
7 years ago

Actually it is a big deal! Esp. for me…..I was told years ago by our family dr. that I was allergic to the rabies preventative shots/ they would kill me for sure w/ my allergies.

Anon Forrest
Guest
7 years ago
Reply to  Junia

“…years ago…” may not be current. This is moving technology.
Also, according to my vet, the preventative shot (like vets’ and dogs’ and cats’ immunization) is only given to vets, animal control cops, zoo keepers, and the like.
What I’m talking about is what is given AFTER a bite, not before. Be safe. af