All articles tagged with #humboldt county
Humboldt County Public Health reports two incidents in Manila and Arcata where bats tested positive for rabies, resulting in three children receiving post-exposure treatment; officials urge avoiding contact with wild or stray animals, bringing pets indoors at night, reporting bites, washing wounds promptly, and ensuring pets are vaccinated against rabies.
Public Health warns residents not to handle bats after three children required rabies treatment from two encounters in Manila and Arcata; the bats tested positive, underscoring that rabies is present year‑round in Humboldt wildlife and statewide as an endemic disease. Officials advise avoiding contact with wild animals, reporting bites, keeping pets vaccinated, and bat‑proofing homes; low‑cost rabies vaccination clinics run in summer, and questions or bite reports can be directed to DHHS at 707-445-6215 or 1-800-963-9241.
Humboldt County health officials are tracking a COVID-19 outbreak at the Seaview Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in Eureka, with wastewater data showing rising infections countywide even as statewide hospitalizations stay very low. Case counts aren’t fully known since COVID is not a reportable illness, but wastewater signals indicate ongoing transmission over several weeks. A new 2026–27 vaccine is expected soon; the current 2025–26 formulation remains broadly protective, and pharmacists can administer vaccines to people ages 3 and up under AB 144. Officials still urge vaccination for high‑risk individuals, masking in crowded places, and maintaining good ventilation and hygiene during the uptick.
Two Humboldt County clinics have begun offering FDA-approved Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for major depressive disorder and related conditions, improving local access by reducing the need to travel to the Bay Area or Chico. Humboldt Counseling Connection in Eureka started Aug. 25 with 16 patients, while the Center for New Growth in Arcata will begin with about 6 patients on Sept. 1. TMS is non-invasive, typically 30 sessions over seven weeks, and insurance coverage is available (Medi-Cal/Partnership and private plans at HCC; Medicare/Partnership/VA at Center for New Growth). The move aims to address local mental-health gaps in a county with high ACEs and suicidality.
A heat wave is forecast for inland Mendocino, Humboldt and Trinity counties this week, with triple-digit highs and Trinity County possibly reaching 114–116°F on Tuesday and Wednesday; inland Mendocino could hit 100s–108, while coastal Humboldt stays cooler in the 60s–70s. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for interior areas, starting Monday, with heat potentially persisting into the end of the week. Patchy smoke may affect the region, and residents should stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak sun, check on vulnerable neighbors, and ensure pets have shade and water.
Providence issued a policy requiring prior authorization for visits to Redwood Urgent Care to be covered under Providence plans or WHA HMO, since Redwood isn’t contracted with Providence. About 1,800 Humboldt County residents are affected. If authorization isn’t obtained, patients may pay out-of-pocket or use the more expensive Providence ER. Providence says the change is administrative to control costs and notes that patients still have access to PCPs and telehealth, with other Providence-contracted urgent care options available in-network.
Authorities found the remains of at least 117 dogs on the grounds of Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Fortuna, California, many with gunshot wounds, along with 21 skulls and hundreds of bones. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office says the scene is horrific and launched an investigation into felony animal abuse, fraud and conspiracy; no charges have been filed yet. Shelter founder Shannon Miranda says the rescue's mission is to save animals and disputes coverage.
Investigators uncovered the remains of 117 dogs at Miranda's Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Fortuna, California, many with gunshot wounds, as authorities probe alleged cruelty, fraud and conspiracy. The 50-acre facility yielded dozens of skulls, bones and microchips, with more than 700 animals unaccounted for and around 900 brought in since the start of 2025, but only 116 adoptions. The owner denies wrongdoing, calling the site a true no-kill rescue, and no charges have been filed as the investigation continues.
Investigators unearthed 117 dogs, 21 skulls and hundreds of bones at Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Fortuna as part of a widening animal-cruelty and fraud probe into about 730 animals placed there since 2025. About 70 dogs at the scene had bullet fragments on X-ray, and investigators found 600 dog collars and additional decomposed canines in a field and a barn tied to suspected killings. No charges have been filed yet, and the sheriff says the investigation will be lengthy. Sanctuary founder Shannon Miranda did not comment; activists had previously raised concerns about the facility.
Authorities expanded their probe into Miranda's Rescue in Humboldt County after a second search uncovered 117 intact dogs (many with gunshot fragments), 21 skulls, and hundreds of bones, along with more than 600 collars. About 900 dogs have been sent to the rescue since January 2025, but only roughly 100 adoption records exist, leaving hundreds unaccounted for and prompting potential animal-cruelty, fraud, and nonprofit-law issues; no charges have been filed yet as investigators review the large amount of evidence with ongoing forensic work.
Humboldt County public health officials confirm a local pertussis (whooping cough) case and warn of potential exposures at the North Coast Nurture Center (McKinleyville), Trumpet Behavioral Health (Arcata), Rainbow Dreamers in-home daycare (Fortuna), and Humboldt Senior Resource Center (Fortuna) during June; residents with mild cold symptoms who were at these sites should contact a medical provider for evaluation and possible antibiotics. Vaccination with Tdap/DTaP reduces risk and disease severity, but immunity wanes over time, so boosters are important to protect vulnerable populations, especially infants under 12 months.
Four Humboldt County residents—Windfield and Silas Beaver, Sacha Marini, and Greg Terry—are among roughly 3,000 participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla, the largest civilian mission to Gaza, departing from Siracusa, Sicily. The spring 2026 flotilla seeks to establish a sustained civilian maritime corridor, deliver humanitarian aid, and pressure Israel’s blockade, with delegations from 39 countries and a parallel Brussels Sumud Parliamentary Congress. Vessel positions can be tracked at flotillatracker.org, and donations are invited to cover legal costs for detained participants.
Humboldt County is currently experiencing low levels of respiratory viruses, but wastewater data indicates an upcoming increase in flu and other respiratory illnesses, with health officials warning of a potential surge in hospitalizations in the coming weeks due to limited case reporting and declining vaccination rates, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures.
Parents in Humboldt County face significant challenges in obtaining COVID-19 vaccines for young children due to limited local supply, healthcare system barriers, and logistical issues, leading some to travel hours out of the area for vaccination, despite official recommendations for pediatric immunization.
Humboldt County saw a nearly 40% decrease in drug overdose deaths in 2024, attributed largely to increased access to naloxone and syringe exchange programs, though concerns about drug use and enforcement remain among local officials.