Illinois Department of Public Health warns of bats carrying rabies
Illinois (KBSI)- Rabid bats have now been found in 14 Illinois counties.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is telling the public to be aware of the potential for exposure to rabies from infected animals.
Bats are the most common source of potential infection in Illinois, and exposures from bats tend to be more frequent during the summer months, especially July and August.
The disease can also be found in other wild animals, including raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes.
27 rabid bats have been found in 14 different Illinois Counties.
“Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “It is important that Illinois residents know how to prevent rabies exposure to protect themselves and their loved ones. Rabies can be prevented in a number of ways including vaccinating pets, being cautious around wildlife, and seeking medical care immediately after a potential exposure. If exposed, please seek medical attention immediately.”
Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the brain and nervous system, and rabies is passed from being bitten by an infected animal.
Rabies can also be contracted when saliva from a rabid animal comes into contact with a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound.
If someone wakes up to find a bat in the room, that is also considered an exposure even if they cannot identify a bite.
Bats have tiny teeth so there’s a possibility of being bitten without knowing it.
If you find a bat in your home, it is considered possible exposure and you should call your local animal control or your local health department to determine what the next steps are.
If you have been exposed to rabies, preventive treatment, known as PEP, is necessary.
If the bat or wild animal can be safely captured and tested, and the test comes back negative, no preventive medication is required.
IDPH recommends these tips to help prevent the spread of rabies:
- Do not touch, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick wild animals to health. Call animal control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.
- Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn to reduce the risk of exposures to rabid animals.
- Maintain homes and other buildings so bats cannot get inside. If a bat is in your home, do not release the bat outdoors until after speaking with animal control or public health officials.
- After consulting with animal control or public health officials, the bat may need to be captured for rabies testing to determine if you need preventive treatment or if your pet may have been exposed.
