Bandera Independent School District notified parents and guardians Wednesday of a possible rabies exposure after a report of a bat on the Bandera High School campus.
In a letter dated April 15, district officials said the report stemmed from a social media post about a possible bat sighting on campus on April 14.
“Bandera ISD has protocols that are carried out when we receive a report for any incident of this nature on campus,” the letter stated, adding that “the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our highest priorities.”
School officials urged families to take precautions, noting that bats can carry rabies, a rare but serious viral infection transmitted through bites, scratches or contact with saliva.
“While not all bats are infected, it is important to take any potential exposure seriously,” the district wrote.
Parents were instructed to seek medical attention immediately if a child had direct contact with a bat or with any wounded or dead animal, or if contact cannot be ruled out.
“Prompt evaluation is critical, as rabies is preventable when treated early,” the letter stated, noting that health care providers can determine whether post-exposure vaccination is necessary.
The district also encouraged parents to monitor children for unusual symptoms and to consult medical professionals or local health authorities with concerns. Contact information for the Bandera County Health Department and the Texas Department of State Health Services was included in the notice.
No additional details about the incident were immediately released.
.png)
