SAN ANTONIO – Treatment for rabies is painful and expensive but, if left untreated, it can be deadly.
Dr. Andrea Guerrero, the director of the Bexar County Public Health Department, is urging county residents to stay vigilant.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services website, rabies is a virus that attacks the nervous system and is spread by infected animals when they bite or when their saliva comes in contact with a wound or scratch on the skin of pets and humans.
This year, Guerrero said there have been 19 confirmed cases of rabies in Bexar County: 13 cases with bats, three with foxes, two skunks and one racoon.
She added that it is very common for rabies to occur in bats and shared that we have dozens of bat rabies cases every year.
Despite the multiple bat cases, Guerrero pointed out that bats do not typically come into contact with humans.
However, skunks, racoons and foxes do.
“Because those animals are more likely to come into contact with a pet who might be unvaccinated,” Guerrero said. “Or they come in contact and create an exposure in a human. And that’s when things could get dangerous.”
The third rabies case in a fox was confirmed last week after it was captured in the 24000 block of Invitation Oak, which is located in north Bexar County.
“So, in this case, the fox was acting aggressive towards this woman but did not come in contact with her. She recognized it as not typical behavior,” Guerrero said. “The fox wasn’t trying to run away from her. The fox was approaching her during daylight hours, which is not typical.”
Two other rabid foxes were found in the 27000 block of Mark Wayne.
All of the rabid fox cases were found in the TPC Parkway and Bulverde Road area.
According to Guerrero, there have been no reported human exposures to rabies, but she said one of the foxes came into contact with a human’s pet.
Fortunately, that pet had its up-to-date rabies vaccine.
She said the latest case made three rabid foxes within a 10-mile radius.
“That’s why we are notifying the public to make sure you get your pets vaccinated and make sure that you let us know if you see an animal acting this way,” Guerrero said. “I think (those living) in this 10-mile radius, you should be on the lookout.”
Guerrero also said cooler temperatures can cause wildlife to become more active.
“They have a little more freedom of movement,” Guerrero said. “It’s not so hot outside, and so they might roam around a little bit more.”
Residents, who live in rural areas or near green belts, are asked to keep a close eye when they let their pets out or if their pets stay outside for an extended period.
“Just, kind of, don’t let them roam because they might get into a fight with a with an infected animal and that could be an exposure as well,” Guerrero said. “Just keep an eye on them (and) get them vaccinated for everyone’s safety. It’s the best way to prevent it from spreading.”
Anyone who may come in contact with an animal with excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth are asked to call Bexar County Animal Control at (210) 335-9000.
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