SAN ANTONIO -- The University of Texas Health Science Center issues a health warning to faculty and students near the city's northwest side after a doctor was bitten by a rattlesnake in the area.
UTHSC confirms that on October 1 that doctor was running on a popular trail near the San Antonio Medical Foundation located on 8700 Floyd Curl Drive.
"I'm a medical student from UTSHC...Heard that they had admitted to the hospital and it was pretty severe snake bite," said Allison Pye.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, rattlesnakes are one the most common type of venomous snakes in Texas. The department said on average, 1 to 2 people in the state die every year from venomous snake bites.
Runners who use the trail said their awareness is heightened after the incident. Martha Medellin said she plans to run without earphones in and takes her phone.
"That's the other thing. They said the guy had his phone with him when he got bit and so, that's the one thing I've changed and started doing," said Medellin.
Medellin and Pye said they're more cautious but this incident won't keep them from running the trail.
"I mean, there are snakes everywhere all the time. It's not really something new," said Pye.
"I would rather run in these trees than out with the traffic and have to deal with the exhaust. We're kind of in their territory. They're letting us borrow it. So, just got to show them respect and be careful. Watch where you're growing," said Medellin.
University Hospital said the doctor is in stable condition.
