‘Most frightening experience of my life’

A Hays County woman is recovering after being attacked by a rabid fox, in an incident that comes as the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported a spike in rabies in the county earlier this year.

About a week ago, Linda Rogers said she was outside her home near Wimberley when a fox lunged at her unexpectedly.

“All I knew is that this thing was at my feet coming after me,” Rogers said. “It was the most frightening experience of my life, and I have had some harrowing experiences.”

The encounter quickly escalated. Rogers said she tried to fight the animal off but stumbled and fell, causing her to fracture her arm. Later, she discovered a bite mark on her leg and quickly began treatment.

“I already knew from the behavior of the fox that there was no doubt in my mind that it wasn’t rabid,” Rogers said. “They don’t act that way. I mean, it was growling and carrying on, and it was mad.”

Local officials later confirmed that the animal tested positive for Rabies.

According to the DSHS, eight animals have tested positive for rabies in Hays County so far this year. County Judge Ruben Becerra said four of those cases have involved foxes.

Chris Van Deusen, a spokesperson for DSHS, told KVUE that the region has seen an increase in terrestrial rabies, which are cases involving land mammals rather than bats, over the past few years.

Van Deusen emphasized that while any mammal can carry rabies, the disease is treatable when addressed quickly.

“You know, really, the bad thing is that once a person begins to show signs of rabies, it is almost always fatal,” Van Deusen said.

To help curb the spread, Hays County said they will continue to offer quarterly low‑cost rabies vaccination clinics.

The next clinic will be held on Saturday, March 14 from 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Centro Esperanza located at 2045 Spruce St. in San Marcos, with more planned for June 6 and Aug. 15. Pet owners are encouraged to stop by and get their animals vaccinated to help reduce the risk of transmission.

Community members started a fundraiser to help Rogers with expenses during this time.