The Virus That Bites Back: Rabies in the Lone Star State

What's the worst thing about wild animals? Is it that they're dirty or remind us of an uncivilized culture? I'd say it's probably due to the fact that some carry a fatal disease that causes hallucinations, vomiting, and a horrible death.

Well, the Texas Hill Country recently reported two confirmed cases of rabies, both from raccoons.

I Came, I Saw, I Spread the Rabies

The first case comes out of good ol' Comfort, TX, where residents discovered a dead raccoon in their horse's stall. They believe the horse gave the raccoon a love tap, with force, on the head, many times...

Once the raccoon was sent for testing, it was confirmed that it indeed had the rabies. The horse was then required to isolate for 90 days away from people and other animals, just in case.

Rabies for Everyone!

The second positive test for rabies comes from the City of Boerne. It was here where residents noticed a raccoon breakdancing and getting jiggy on their front yard.

Knowing something was seriously wrong with it, they called animal control who noticed that it was severely sick. Once they read it bedtime stories and put it to bed... forever, they tested for rabies which--bingo--it indeed had.

Lubbock's Brush with Rabies

It was just one year ago in April 2024 when a rabies-positive skunk was discovered in northwest Lubbock County. If you remember, this prompted officials to warn us of signs to look for when it comes to this deadly virus.

Read More: Bird Flu Has Spread To Texas Wild Mammals- What You Need To Know

You know you have rabies when...

You experience these symptoms:

• Fever
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Difficulty swallowing
• Excessive salivation
• Hallucinations
• Insomnia
• Hydrophobia - the fear of drinking water

What is Rabies?

The CDC describes rabies as a fatal viral disease that can spread from animals to humans through infected saliva. The most common animals in America that are known to transmit the disease include bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.

The virus attacks the central nervous system which leads to brain disease and death if immediate medical care is not given.

Long story short: stay away from wild animals, especially if they look like they're coked up. If you do get bit, wash the site immediately with soapy water and seek medical attention.