Spike in rabies cases prompts public health push in Southwest Virginia

Case of rabies confirmed in New Braunfels

New Braunfels and Comal County officials are urging residents to be cautious with unfamiliar animals on the heels of a confirmed case of rabies.

Spike in rabies cases prompts public health push in Southwest Virginia

There’s a large window in Meagan Helmick’s office at the Mount Rogers Health District that looks across the hallway to a table where animals are tested for rabies. The process is grim. It involves decapitating the animal and collecting a brain tissue sample that’s sent to the state lab in Richmond.Even though the environmental health team draws a curtain beforehand, Helmick leaves her office every time. She’s both director of the health district…