Child Bitten by Skunk Tests Positive for Rabies Exposure in Bexar County
San Antonio, TX – October 23, 2024 – A child on San Antonio’s North Side is receiving post-exposure rabies treatment after being bitten by a skunk that afterward tested positive for the virus, marking the 18th confirmed case of rabies in Bexar County this year. The incident underscores the ongoing risk of rabies exposure in the region and prompts renewed warnings from San Antonio Animal Care Services (SAACS).
This latest case, involving a minor, highlights the potential for serious health consequences from encounters with wild animals. Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the central nervous system,and while post-exposure treatment is highly effective when administered promptly,it is crucial to prevent contact with possibly infected animals. SAACS urges residents to exercise caution and report any unusual animal behavior to authorities.
The skunk bite occurred recently, prompting testing that confirmed the presence of the rabies virus. SAACS advises that if a potentially rabid animal is found indoors, it shoudl be safely confined without direct contact until Animal Control arrives. Avoiding physical trauma to the animal is essential to ensure accurate rabies testing.
To proactively protect pets, SAACS reminds owners that annual rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats are legally required. A pet vaccination and microchipping clinic is scheduled for this Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Paul Jolly Center for Pet Adoptions, located at 210 Tuleta. The clinic will offer free rabies shots and other vaccinations to the first 100 San Antonio pet owners who attend.
Rabies in Bexar County typically manifests in skunks, bats, raccoons, and foxes. The virus is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, usually via a bite. public health officials emphasize that prompt medical attention is vital for anyone bitten or scratched by a wild animal.
