Developing Story: Rabies Investigation Ongoing

Humboldt County Public Health officials are narrowing the investigation into possible sources of a rabies infection of a Humboldt County resident. There are still several potential sources including possible contact with a feral cat.
 
Public Health has scheduled an informational community meeting on Thursday, May 12, at 5:30 p.m. at the Trinity Valley Elementary School in Willow Creek. Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Lindsay and Public Health Nurses will provide information to community members at that meeting.
 
“Our Department has augmented our response to this situation, including assigning additional Public Health Nurses,” said Susan Buckley, Public Health Branch Director. Buckley said that staff from Centers for Disease Control and California Department of Public Health arrive in Humboldt County this week to lend their experience to the investigation.
 
“We are contacting a number of individuals in the community who may have knowledge of the patient’s exposure to potentially rabid animals,” said Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Ann Lindsay. “These interviews are helping us determine the possible source of the infection and determine if any other individuals are possibly at risk. We want to be absolutely certain that no one else is at risk.”
 
The Willow Creek resident is currently in critical stable condition in Intensive Care at UC Davis. Lindsay said “Public Health Nurses are in contact with the hospital. This patient is in our thoughts and we hope for the best.”
 
Lindsay said “The number-one thing residents can do to protect themselves and their families is to vaccinate their domestic animals.” Low cost vaccination clinics are being offered.  Call (707) 268-2210 for more information or to get a copy of the schedule.