San Angelo Animal Services Issues Warning After Second Rabies Exposure Involving Bat

SAN ANGELO, TX — A second rabies exposure incident involving a bat has been reported in San Angelo, prompting a renewed warning from Animal Services.

On May 2, a woman and her child petted a grounded bat that was later confirmed to be infected with rabies. Medical, health and safety protocols were implemented in response, according to a statement released by San Angelo Animal Services. The incident follows an earlier case in which a child handled a dead bat and was exposed to the virus.

Officials are urging the public not to touch or interact with bats, alive or dead, as they can carry rabies and other diseases. Anyone who encounters a grounded or injured bat is asked to contact Animal Services immediately at 325-657-4224.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has identified bats as a growing source of rabies variants transmitted to humans.

More information on rabies prevention and control is available at https://bit.ly/43cK4Bk.