ILLINOIS — A bat has tested positive for rabies in DuPage County, prompting the county health department (DCHD) to share safety tips for residents. Foremost of these is to never touch or attempt to catch a bat.
As of early August, 68 residents have been advised to get treatment for possible exposure to rabies. Bats are the number one source of rabies in the state, according to DCHD, but skunks, raccoons and feral mammals may carry the disease.
The virus is transmitted to humans if saliva from a rabid animal enters their mouth, eyes, nose, or an open wound.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), there are 13 different species of bats in Illinois. Most often, residents are likely to encounter little and big brown bats, silver-haired bats and eastern red bats.
The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association reports that between 93 and 97 percent of bats will test negative for the rabies virus. Nonetheless, they advise that a bat should be considered rabid until a test has proven otherwise.
DCHD reports that bats are the primary source of rabies in Illinois.
Bats who have been infected with rabies may:
- Be seen during the day (bats are active at twilight or after dark)
- Be found in unlikely places, including on lawns or inside homes
- Be unable to fly
DCHD recommends the following to prevent contracting rabies from bats.
- Secure your home to prevent bats from getting in
- Avoid handling any bats in your home
- Contact animal control for help containing or removing bats
- Do not remove a bat until you have spoken with animal control
- Vaccinate pets for rabies
Residents are advised to seek medical attention immediately if they have been bitten by a bat. Pets should be taken to a veterinarian immediately if they may have been exposed to rabies
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