HOLLYWOOD PARK, TX – Another rabies case has been detected in Bexar County. This time, in Hollywood Park.
It’s the second case reported in the county in just over a week.
Hollywood Park police announced in a post to social media Wednesday that a racoon found near Yosemite St. tested positive for rabies. Officials believe the animal came in contact with a rabid skunk.
In the post, authorities said no humans have been exposed.
Cases of humans with rabies are rare.
“I’ve been in practice for over three decades and only once in my career — 30 years ago — did I see something in a teaching hospital in Houston,” said Dr. Stephen Ramirez. “It’s extremely rare as far as humans.”
Dr. Ramirez is the president of Stone Oak Family Practice. While the likelihood of catching the virus is rare, Ramirez said there are still things you can do to prevent it.
“The easiest prevention is not petting, or touching, or getting bit by wild animals,” he said.
Dr. Ramirez said most people should be safe as long as they keep themselves and pets at a distance from wild animals.
A similar case happened in a domestic animal in San Antonio last week. A husky tested positive for the virus after coming in contact with a rabid skunk. The dog had to be euthanized.
San Antonio Animal Care Services (ACS) Director Jonathan Gary said keeping your pets vaccinated is also important.
“The odds of your animal coming in contact with wildlife are pretty good here in San Antonio,” Gary said. “So I will say don’t be alarmed just because you see wildlife in your yard, right? It is normal for them to be there. So just keep that in mind; but definitely, the vaccination, that’s why it’s so critical.”
As for humans if you *are* bit, you should go to the doctor immediately.
Treatment involves a series of shots depending on how long it’s been since the bite and is at the discretion of your doctor.
Early symptoms can mimic the flu — along with a tingling sensation at the bite site before progressing to deadly neurological dysfunction.