Animals with rabies rising in California: 38 people treated for rabies or possible exposure in Humboldt County
Within the past few months, Humboldt County has seen a rise in rabies infections in the community. Three children were exposed to rabies, and a bat was found on the Cal Poly Humboldt campus that was also confirmed to have rabies.
The Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) stated that the animals with the highest likelihood of having rabies in Humboldt County would be bats, skunks and foxes.
In the event of encountering an animal that might be rabid, there are a few things that you can do to protect yourself and the community.
“If you encounter an animal that is sick, injured or unafraid, do not try to approach it, help it or try to nurse it back to health,” Humboldt County DHHS said. “People who come across sick or injured animals can contact the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center which has staff who are trained to respond.”
From Jan. 1 to Oct. 21, 38 people began rabies treatment for rabies exposure or possible exposure in Humboldt County, according to Humboldt County DHHS.
While the numbers for rabies in Humboldt County have been higher than in the past few years, the California Department of Public Health stated that the risk to the general public remains low.
The California Department of Public Health states on its webpage that the signs to look out for in an animal that might possibly have rabies are: an unusually tame animal or unafraid to approach humans, any nocturnal animals that are out during the day, such as bats, skunks and foxes as well as a normally calm animal that acts in an agitated or aggressive manner.
Even if someone feels compelled to help a sick or injured bat, the Humboldt County DHHS recommends against helping the animal, but instead contacting the Humboldt County Wildlife Care Center to get the animal the help it needs.
In the case that someone comes into contact with an animal that has rabies and it has bitten or scratched them, both the California Department of Public Health and the Humboldt County DHHS recommend that they wash the wound immediately with soap and running water and seek immediate medical attention. From there, a doctor will determine if you need post-exposure preventative treatment.
The Humboldt County DHHS said that if you come across a rabid or suspected rabid animal or have any questions about rabies, you can contact the Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services, Division of Environmental Health at 707-445-6215 or toll-free at 1-800-963-924. Any animal bites should also be reported to county or municipal animal control officers. To report a sick or injured animal, contact the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center at 707-822-8839.
Informational graphic courtesy of the California Department of Public Health
