A bat that tested positive for rabies has had an interaction with a San Marcos resident. On Oct. 15, city of San Marcos Animal Protection officers received a report that an individual was exposed to a bat in a residential neighborhood. The caller reported that a bat had flown into a person’s hair while the individual was outside near the 1900 block of Gibraltar Drive on the evening of Oct. 14.
The bat was collected and sent to the Department of State Health Services laboratory in Austin for rabies testing, which is required following direct human contact with bats that may result in exposure to rabies. The bat subsequently tested positive for the rabies virus. The individual exposed to the bat was notified of the positive result and is seeking post-exposure treatment to prevent rabies.
Rabies is a deadly virus that can infect mammals, including wildlife, pets and humans. The virus is spread through contact with an infected mammal’s saliva and is fatal if not treated before symptoms occur. Post-exposure treatment for rabies that is provided soon after a bite or exposure is effective in preventing the virus from spreading.
Any contact with a bat should be immediately reported to Animal Protection at 512-805-2655 so that the bat can be tested for rabies and medical treatment can be rendered as soon as possible, if necessary. Any bats that are found on the ground or in a dwelling should also be reported. Residents should not touch any bats they encounter.
Residents are encouraged to take steps to mitigate their risk of exposure to rabies, including by vaccinating pets as required by state law and city ordinance. For resources and information about obtaining lowcost rabies vaccinations for pets, sanmarcostx. gov/1559/Pet-Help.
