San Marcos officials are asking residents to avoid contact with wildlife after four more animals tested positive for rabies in the area. The cases involve a skunk in the Kissing Tree neighborhood, a fox in the Westover neighborhood, a bat in Hays County and a fox near Stagecoach Trail. The fox near Stagecoach Trail was confirmed Oct. 22. An earlier fox found on the Texas State University campus on Oct. 14 also tested positive.
No human contact was reported with the skunk or the Westover fox. According to the city, a child touched the infected bat by sweeping it off their clothing with a hand and is receiving treatment. Neighborhood Enhancement Director Shanna O'Brien said, "It is unusual for wildlife to test positive for rabies," and that the city is tracking an increase in incidents in the area.
The city said anyone bitten or scratched by a wild animal, or who may have had direct contact with a bat, should wash the area with soap and running water for 15 minutes and seek medical care. Officials said bat bites can be very small and may go unnoticed. Residents should not handle sick or unusual-acting wildlife. San Marcos Animal Services asks residents to report concerns at 512-805-2655. The city is also organizing a free rabies vaccination clinic for pets, with details not yet announced as of Thursday.