It happened near a home on Cypress Creek Lane on May 9.
SAN MARCOS, Texas — A fox in Wimberley that bit a person earlier this week has tested positive for rabies.
According to the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, the fox bit the person at around 1:30 p.m. near a home on Cypress Creek Lane on May 9. The fox was then tested by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and returned a positive test for the virus.
It is another incident involving rabid foxes in Hays County, along with a slew of incidents involving suspected rabid foxes that occurred on May 11 in San Marcos near the Purgatory Creek Natural Area.
Four people reported contact with a fox near the Beatrice, Dante and Ripheus trails, according to San Marcos officials. Two of those people were bitten by a fox, and all four received medical treatment.
While Purgatory Creek Natural Area remains open, San Marcos officials are asking the public to avoid those trails until their investigation is complete and the area is safe again.
Rabies is a potentially fatal virus affecting mammals, including humans, and is transmitted through saliva. Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent the virus from taking hold, as it is fatal if symptoms develop. This treatment typically involves a series of injections to build immunity.
Early symptoms can mimic the flu, including fever, headache and weakness, sometimes with discomfort at the bite site. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include anxiety, confusion, agitation, hallucinations and hydrophobia (fear of water).
Officials urge anyone who may have encountered the fox in San Marcos to contact Animal Services at 512-805-2655 for guidance on appropriate medical care.
Pet owners are reminded to vaccinate their animals against rabies, a measure required by state law and San Marcos city ordinance, to prevent the virus’ spread. Resources for low-cost pet rabies vaccinations can be found on the San Marcos city website.
Anyone who may have come in physical contact with the fox in Wimberley is encouraged to call the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Unit at 512-393-7896 or Department of State Health Services Zoonosis Control at 254-778-6744
