UPDATE, 3:22 p.m.: Fortuna Fox Believed to Have Bitten Fortuna Teen Tests Positive For Rabies

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Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services press release: 

On Wednesday, the Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services was notified of two encounters with an aggressive fox along Rohnerville Road in the Fortuna area. In one incident, a teenager was bitten by a fox. The teenager has received prophylactic treatment. In the other incident nearby, no one was bitten, and a fox was shot and killed.

Investigators think it’s likely the same fox was involved in both encounters. The dead fox has been sent to the Public Health Laboratory for testing for rabies. Because the fox was shot in the brain, which is used for testing, the results may be inconclusive. We hope to have results later today. We will issue a second release at that time along with additional information about protecting your family from rabies.