Mount Vernon Optic-Herald

Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. People should take action to quarantine domestic animals suspected of rabies.
Persons who have been bitten by an animal, whether wild or domestic, should not delay in seeking help. Residents outside the city limits in Franklin County should call the local sheriff’s department at 903-537-4539 to report the incident. City of Mount Vernon residents should call City of Mount Vernon Animal Control Officer Jeremy Cox at 903-537-7155.
The rabies virus infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death. The early symptoms of rabies in people are similar to that of many other illnesses, including fever, headache, and general weakness or discomfort.  
“By the time people develop the more severe symptoms it is too late to be cured,” explained Mr. Cox.
For more information, see the April 7 edition of the Optic-Herald.