THREE POSITIVE RABIES CASES IN 2019 IN WASHINGTON CO.
State health officials confirmed a trio of rabies cases throughout 2019 in Washington County.
(courtesy Texas Department of State Health Services)
According to numbers from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), 205 positive cases of rabies were found from January 1 to December 31, 2019 in Region 7, which includes Washington County.
Three of those cases were confirmed in Washington County, in skunks. Two cases were found in the county from January 1st to June 30th, with the third reported between July 1st and December 31st.
In the department’s full-year report, it said 324 animal rabies investigations were conducted within the 30 counties making up Region 7. Those investigations were conducted by zoonosis control staff and local animal control officers.
Of the 324 investigations, 119 non-negative (decomposed or destroyed) animal cases were investigated. The report found 61 people and 251 animals were exposed or potentially exposed to these positive and non-negative animals.
Region 7 stretches as far east as Madison County and as far west as San Saba County. The region’s northern and southern borders are Hill and Fayette Counties, respectively.
According to DSHS figures, there were no confirmed rabies cases in Washington County in 2018. However, there were three cases in 2016 and 2017. 2016’s cases involved a skunk and two bats, while 2017’s cases included two skunks and a cow.
The City of Brenham’s animal ordinance requires dog and cat rabies vaccinations once a year. State law requires vaccinations once every three years.
Click here to view the 2019 full-year report.