Rabid bat found at San Marcos HS

SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) - The public is on alert to be sure not to handle any bats after one that tested positive for rabies was found inside the front foyer at San Marcos High School on Monday.

The Environmental Health and Animal Services Division, along with the city of San Marcos , has issued a public health notice as a result of the find.

Signs posted at the high school will remain up for at least a week, and the campus will be monitored by trained school district personnel to inspect the interior and exterior of the facility for any signs of bats.

If anyone believes they or someone they know has come in contact with the specific bat found at the high school, they should call one of the following health organizations:

• San Marcos Animal Control -- 512-805-2659
• San Marcos Environmental Health Department -- 512-393-8440
• Department of State Health Services Zoonosis Control -- 1-254-778-6744

As part of all San Marcos CISD campus procedures, staffs are reminding all registering and incoming students to stay away from any bats on the ground or those in a reachable location. If any child or adult comes in contact with a bat, the school office staff should be notified immediately.

Jason Gossett, assistant superintendent for Business and Support Services, says that all safety procedures were followed to remove the bat for testing, and to protect students, district employees and visitors, according to public health guidelines.

“We are committed to providing a safe environment for our children and staff. Inspections to keep the campuses free of pests are conducted throughout the year," said Robert Gutierrez, associate director of custodians.

All San Marcos CISD campuses will continue to follow the “no touch” procedures pertaining to dead or sick bats.