SAN ANTONIO – An urgent warning has been sent to parents and students of Pearce Primary School in the Southside Independent School District.
The school district sent out letters to all parents of Pearce students, informing them that several students there had come into contact with a dead bat at the school, which is located at 19190 U.S. 281 South.
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That bat later tested positive for rabies.
A spokesman with the school district says a student found the dead bat Friday, and took it into a restroom.
At least six students admitted to having direct contact with the animals. Their parents were notified.
Monday, the district sent letters to all parents at the school, informing them of the incident, and urging them to ask their children if they had contact with the bat.
Any student directly exposed to the bat is urged to get rabies shots as a precaution.
In the wake of the incident, the City of San Antonio's Animal Care Services issued a warning urging residents to avoid wildlife, and ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies, as required by city ordinance and state law.
ACS hosts weekly low-cost vaccination clinics every Monday, from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at the shelter located at 4710 St. Hwy. 151.
Rabies is a viral disease that is spread by contact, primarily through a bite. However, in certain circumstances, it can be transmitted through scratches. Rabies attacks the central nervous system, eventually causing death in nearly all cases, if not prevented with the rabies vaccine.
Initial signs of rabies include:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Fever
- General weakness
- Headache
The Metropolitan Health District has confirmed 12 cases of rabies in Bexar County this year, all found in bats.