City of Austin

The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department is working to identify an adult female who came in contact with a bat that has tested positive for rabies. The incident occurred on July 3, 2012 around 10:15 p.m. under the Congress Street Bridge at Lady Bird Lake. The female was reported to be wearing flip flops and an observer noted the bat came in contact with the woman’s feet. Signs were posted in and around that location on Friday, July 6 when lab results became available however; no calls have been received at this time by the city’s health department.  If anyone has information, please contact our office at 512-972-5555.

Rabies exposure occurs only when a person is bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal, or when abrasions, open wounds, or mucous membranes are contaminated with the saliva, brain, or nervous system tissue of a potentially rabid animal.

It may take several weeks or longer for people to show symptoms after being infected with rabies. The early signs of rabies can be fever or headache, but this changes quickly to nervous system signs such as confusion, sleepiness, or agitation. Once someone with a rabies infection starts having these symptoms, that person usually does not survive. This is why it is critical to talk to your doctor or health care provider right away if any animal bites you, especially a wild animal.

For more information contact:

Austin/Travis County Health and Human Service’s Disease Surveillance Program:  512-972-5555

DSHS HSR7 Zoonosis Program: 254-778-6744