"It is rare to find rabies in humans. I don't believe that Lubbock County has had a case since the 50s, but it's such a serious disease that we take it very seriously if even one person is exposed," says Faulkenberry.
According to City of Lubbock Health Director Bridget Faulkenberry a Lubbock woman continues to undergo treatment for Rabies after a seemingly injured cat bit her as she tried to take it to the vet.
Faulkenberry says in Texas skunks carry this deadly virus and transmit it to other animals through their saliva.
"Any mammal can carry rabies. So skunks bite dogs and cats and that's where humans become involved because skunks are wild and they're not usually going to come close enough to a human to bite it, but dogs and cats will and that's where the human connection comes in," says Faulkenberry.
As a result of this recent exposure the city now encourages pet owners to have their animals vaccinated.
"In addition, we want people to avoid sick or injured animals. If they don't know the animal, they need to call the animal services department and have them come take care of it," says Faulk.
According to veterinarian Dr. Robert Faulk symptoms can vary in different animals.
"If it appears to be healthy, it might be, but an animal can incubate Rabies and be shedding the virus for several days before it shows any symptoms so if it acts at all aggressive back-off," says Faulk.
Faulk says Rabies will attack the nervous system and can lead to death.
"Quite often when people get it, they run a high fever and then they have all sorts of nervous problems. A headache, muscle stiffness and they find that it's impossible to swallow. Just the thought of swallowing can cause spasms in the throat that are excruciatingly painful," says Faulk.
Faulk advises if bitten by any wild animal or stray domestic animal wash the infected area and immediately seek medical attention.
