BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – Bexar County is in a “hot zone” for rabies cases in Texas this year, according to a map from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Bexar County’s rabies cases have risen over the past three years.
There were 12 cases in 2024, 22 in 2025, and 29 confirmed cases so far this year, a Texas Parks and Wildlife official told the Hollywood Park City Council in June.
Concern is heightened after an incident in late May in Hollywood Park, where police reported a child was bitten by a rabid fox while playing outside his home.
The Hollywood Park Police Department said officers arrived and the fox charged at them. Animal Control Officers put the fox down and sent it for rabies testing. The boy had injuries and was taken to a clinic, but he was in “good health”.
Bexar County Public Health Director Andrea Guerrero is urging residents to stay alert around wildlife, keep pets vaccinated and report stray animals.
“Vaccination is the strongest tool against rabies infections,” Guerrero said.
Guerrero added that public health officials monitor the entire county with animal control officers and partnerships with other agencies, relying on community reports to identify potentially infected animals.
How to spot a possibly rabid animal
Health officials say signs can include:
- Unusual or aggressive behavior
- Nocturnal animals out during the day
- Neurological symptoms such as drooling, stumbling or disorientation
Animals most likely to carry rabies include bats, skunks, coyotes, and foxes.
At a North Side park, visitors told KSAT they appreciate the reminder to stay vigilant.
One park visitor, Michelle Hansen, said she’d heard about rabies-positive foxes turning up in San Antonio.
Dog owner Trevor McCulley emphasized prevention: vaccinate pets, keep dogs under control and don’t bring animals into public spaces if you can’t manage them.
If an animal happens to bite you, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
To report suspicious wildlife or animals:
- City of San Antonio: Call 311
- Bexar County (outside city limits): Call 210-335-9000
The rabies “hot zone” on the state map also includes areas near New Braunfels in Comal County and Guadalupe County, underscoring the need for awareness across the region.