Local News

Rabies Diagnosed in Bandera County, Texas

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Tony Maples Photography

 

The Bandera County Sheriff’s Department issued a public safety announcement on their Facebook page on November 4th. A confirmed case of rabies was reported. A dead bat found on a playground at Medina Independent School District tested positive for rabies. No one at the school touched the dead bat.

Residents of Bandera County are asked to contact dispatch at (830) 769-3771 if they come across an animal they suspect may be rabid.

rabid raccoon rabies bandera

Photo: Alan Vernon

According to the CDC, rabies is a viral disease transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. The majority of rabies cases reported annually occur in raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes.

The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system and can lead to death. Early symptoms of rabies include fever, headache, and general malaise. More advanced cases in humans cause insomnia, anxiety, confusion, partial paralysis, hallucinations, and agitation. Death can occur within days of the onset of these symptoms.

Rabies can be prevented. Keep your pets vaccinated. Don’t allow your pets to wander outside the perimeters of your property. Avoid wild or stray animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, cats, and dogs. Securely seal garbage containers with lids to keep from attracting wild animals.

If you suspect you have come into contact with a rabid animal, seek medical attention immediately.