Confirmed Rabies Case
Published on August 28, 2026
A confirmed rabies case involving an owned dog is prompting Animal Care Services (ACS) and Metro Health to remind residents that contact between pets and wildlife must be taken seriously and reported immediately.
On August 18, 2026, the Metro Health Laboratory confirmed that a dog tested positive for the rabies virus. The dog’s owner told investigators their pet killed a baby skunk in late July near their Far Westside home inside Loop 1604. The wildlife encounter was never reported by the owner. In the weeks following the incident, the male Husky mix began displaying concerning behavioral and neurological symptoms. Exposed pets and people have been offered rabies prophylaxis. Read more in the news release.
Rabies
Rabies is a deadly viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Public health measures focus on preventing transmission from animals to humans by controlling rabies in the animal population, and by providing immediate and effective post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) if exposure occurs.
The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system producing an acute illness with rapidly progressive signs and symptoms of anxiety, difficulty in swallowing, seizures and sometimes paralysis.
Rabies is preventable. Animals both wild and domestic are a potential source of transmission of the rabies virus.
Safety Guidelines & Reporting Exposure
The community is advised to keep the following safe practices in mind:
- Refrain from feeding, touching, or handling any wildlife or unfamiliar animals.
- Do not attempt to handle or approach a bat, coyote, raccoon, skunk, or other wildlife.
- Do not allow dogs to roam freely, which is illegal. Keeping your pet on your property reduces the chance of an interaction with wildlife or another sick animal.
- Teach children to avoid touching or petting wildlife or any roaming animal, regardless of whether it is living or dead. Children should tell an adult immediately if they see or touch a wild animal. Bat bites may not be visible, and prompt post-exposure treatment can be lifesaving.
- Anyone who is bitten, scratched or may have been exposed to an animal should immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible to determine if additional treatment is needed.
- Make sure your pets are current on their rabies vaccinations. This is one of the most effective protections against transmission.
- If you or your pet encounters a bat, coyote, raccoon, skunk, or other wildlife, report the incident immediately to animal control and follow the required quarantine protocols. For individuals living within the San Antonio city limits, call City of San Antonio Animal Care Services at 3-1-1 or 210-207-6000. If living outside the city limits, call Bexar County Animal Control at 210-335-9000.
- Pets that encounter potentially rabid wildlife should be confined to prevent further exposure to people or animals.
- State law mandates that any actual or potential rabies exposure must be reported to the local rabies authority (Animal Care Services) for investigation and testing conducted by the City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District.
- If the potentially rabid animal is within a home or building, try to keep the animal confined, but only if it can be done safely and without direct contact.
- If possible, wait for Animal Control to respond and avoid striking the animal. Physical trauma can damage the brain and make laboratory rabies testing impossible.
- Call 3-1-1 or 210-207-6000 or use the 311 mobile app to request assistance with the safe removal of dead animals.
Treatment
When rabies exposure is confirmed, administration of post-exposure prophylaxis (treatment) (PEP) is a medical urgency, not a medical emergency. All bite wounds must first receive proper wound care and treatment in an acute care setting initially, followed by additional doses with a Primary Care Provider or University Health ExpressMed.
Only medical professionals licensed in Texas can administer anti-rabies biologicals to humans.
“Prophylaxis should begin immediately after exposure to rabies is confirmed, ideally within 24 hours. However, a delay of several days does not compromise effectiveness, and prophylaxis should be initiated if indicated, regardless of the interval between exposure and initiation of therapy.” Red Book, 2006 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, 27th Ed.
Initial treatment consists of Human Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG) given according to weight, and the first dose of rabies vaccine (day 0). Subsequent doses of PEP are to be administered by the Primary Care Physician or a physician who will monitor the client and complete the treatment on days 3, 7, and 14.
HRIG provides immediate protection against the virus that causes rabies while the patient’s immune system works to build long-lasting protection with the help of the rabies vaccine.
Vaccines
A vaccine depot such as Metro Health is not under authorization by the state of Texas to administer the rabies vaccine, but rather to have anti-rabies biologicals accessible to health care providers. Patients may obtain rabies vaccine from Metro Health to be administered in the PCP’s office.
NOTE: Please call the Rabies Surveillance Nurse at 210-207-2095 prior to your visit to Metro Health.
Vaccine delivery takes approximately 24 hours. Release of anti-rabies biologicals and/or rabies immune globulin requires a written prescription from a treating physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. Prescriptions from anyone other than those listed above are not accepted.
The State has the right to refuse to provide anti-rabies biologicals if the incident does not warrant rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices guidelines are used to determine a true rabies exposure. If an incident does not warrant rabies PEP, the department will provide the medical professional with information on purchasing anti-rabies biological.
For further instructions on obtaining vaccine, call the Rabies Surveillance Nurse. This call may help facilitate a better understanding for completion of the patient's treatment.
Pet Vaccinations
All dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies annually in accordance with city and state law. ACS regularly hosts pet vaccination and microchipping clinics throughout the city.
Vaccination Events