AUSTIN, Texas — A person in San Marcos is seeking treatment after coming into contact with a bat that tested positive for rabies.
According to city officials, animal protection services received a call on the evening of Oct. 14 reporting that a person came in contact with the bat in the 1900 block of Gibraltar Drive.
The bat was collected and taken to the Department of State Health Services laboratory in Austin, where it returned a positive rabies test. The person who came in contact with the animal was then notified and is seeking treatment to prevent a rabies infection, the city said.
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.
The city is encouraging residents to take steps to mitigate their risk of rabies exposure, including by vaccinating pets as required by state law and city ordinance.
Anyone who comes in contact with a bat should immediately report it to Animal Protection at 512-805-2655 so that the bat can be tested for rabies and medical treatment can be given if needed. Any bats that are found on the ground or in a home or residence should also be reported. A bat should never be touched under any circumstances.
Information about rabies vaccinations for pets can be found here.