A rabid fox turned a stretch of State Highway 97 into a danger zone on June 19, biting two people in the 6300 block near Pleasanton, according to Atascosa County officials. Lab tests later confirmed the animal was carrying rabies, and both victims are now undergoing post-exposure prophylaxis as a precaution. Atascosa County Animal Control says it is keeping a close eye on a designated quarantine area and urging residents to steer clear of wild animals and keep their pets’ shots up to date.
County and state labs confirm rabies
According to KSAT, the attack happened June 19 along the 6300 block of State Highway 97 in the Pleasanton area. Four days later, tests run by the Atascosa County Animal Control Department and the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed the fox was positive for rabies.
Victims, quarantine and county response
The two people who were bitten are receiving rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, officials said. “The Animal Control Department is actively monitoring this situation and working the quarantine area to ensure the safety of our community,” the department stated in comments to KSAT. County officials are stressing vigilance, especially for anyone who lives, works or travels along that section of Highway 97.
How to protect yourself and your pets
Health experts advise that anyone bitten or scratched by a mammal should immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, then seek medical care right away to determine whether rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that PEP typically consists of human rabies immune globulin plus a series of rabies vaccine doses given over several weeks. Animals involved in bites are often quarantined or tested by public health officials to evaluate the risk of rabies. Local residents can find contact information and guidance for reporting animal bites on the Atascosa County Animal Control website.
