The recent rabies case may not have been found in the city, but the finding in the Hualapai Mountains near Kingman shows that locals need to be more vigilant.
The Mojave County Health Department announced one confirmed case of rabies in a fox in the Hualapai Mountains, along with additional reports of ferocious foxes and wildlife in the area. The local reports came after a rabies alert that bit a child on an Apache reservation in eastern Arizona earlier this week.
As of May, nine confirmed animal cases have been reported to the Arizona Department of Health, and two human exposures have been reported. Generally, most of Arizona’s rabies cases occur in the southern part of the state. Animals affected were foxes, skunks and bats.
Rabies is most often fatal to animals. Reptiles, birds, rabbits, mice and rats commonly found in Havasu are rabies free. But coyotes, often seen roaming waterfronts and local roads, do exist. Sightings of other wildlife have also increased as animals seek water sources as the drought continues.
The local county is urging residents, especially pet owners in the area, to take extra precautions.
Wild animals infected with rabies may become more aggressive or docile than normal. Nocturnal animals sometimes appear during the day. Sick animals may stagger, tremble, and appear weak. Allow plenty of space around these animals and avoid them at all costs.
Travelers can hike and camp in these areas, but pets should be vaccinated and closely supervised. Do not let pets come into contact with wild animals. The disease spreads through saliva.
If you are bitten, scratched, or come in contact with an animal, wash the wound with soap and water. Report immediately to animal control and contact your doctor. Humans can be vaccinated if exposure is suspected.
While modern treatments aren’t as nightmarish and painful as years past, a series of injections can still be cumbersome and cost thousands of dollars.
