A Hays County woman is recovering after being attacked by a rabid fox near Wimberley, Texas, in an incident that highlights a growing rabies outbreak in the region. Linda Rogers said the fox lunged at her unexpectedly while she was outside her home, calling it "the most frightening experience of my life."

Rogers tried to fight off the animal but fell and fractured her arm. She later discovered a bite mark on her leg and immediately began treatment. Local officials confirmed the fox tested positive for rabies. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, eight animals have tested positive for rabies in Hays County this year, with four involving foxes.

Health officials report an increase in terrestrial rabies cases involving land mammals rather than bats. While rabies is treatable when addressed quickly, it becomes almost always fatal once symptoms appear. To help curb the spread, Hays County will continue offering quarterly low-cost rabies vaccination clinics, with the next scheduled for March 14 in San Marcos.