IDPH confirms state’s first rabid bats of 2024, urges caution
CHICAGO (WCIA) — The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is urging the public to be cautious of animals with rabies following the discovery of two rabid bats in the state.
The bats were found 10 days ago inside two homes — one in Cook County and the other in Will County. Bats in particular are known to carry rabies more often as summer months approach. However, any wild animal or person can run the risk of getting it at any time.
People can get rabies if they are bitten by an infected animal, or if its saliva gets directly into a person’s eyes, nose, mouth or wound. Rabies will then affect the nervous system, resulting in a range of symptoms from hallucinations and fear of water or air, to gradual paralysis.
People are advised to seek immediate medical attention if they are bitten by any animal.
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Though rabies infection is concerning, there are ways to avoid it. IDPH recommends making sure rabies vaccinations are up to date for pets, livestock and horses.
“Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said. “It is important that Illinois residents know how to prevent rabies exposure to protect themselves and their loved ones. Bats are the most common carriers of the rabies virus in Illinois but not the only carrier. Illinois residents should stay away from bats and any wild, unfamiliar, or stray animal, as well as any animal that appears to be sick. Groups of bats can move into people’s homes and that underscores the importance of knowing the ways of keeping bats out of your home.”
If a bat is found inside your home, officials advised covering it with a container and contact animal control for rabies testing. Here’s how the IDPH says you can capture it:
When the bat lands, approach it slowly, while wearing gloves, and place a box or coffee can over it.
Slide a piece of cardboard under the container to trap the bat inside.
Tape the cardboard to the container securely, and punch small holes in the cardboard, allowing the bat to breathe.
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The IDPH notes that bat bites aren’t always noticeable, as they have very small teeth. If you find yourself close to a bat, be sure to call your doctor or local health department to help determine whether you were exposed to rabies before releasing or killing the bat. The bat can be tested, and whether it tests positive or negative for rabies will determine whether you need to seek immediate medical attention.
If bitten, preventative treatment must begin quickly. If a pet is exposed to a high-risk wild animal like a bat, skunk, raccoon, fox, or coyote, contact a veterinarian.
Most people picture a rabid animal as erratic and foaming at the mouth. However, rabies does not always make an animal aggressive. Changes in any normal behavior can be early signs of rabies. For example, a bat that is usually active but is now unable to fly could very well be rabid. IDPH says to never handle such bats.
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To prevent the spread of rabies, the IDPH provided the following advice:
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, you may need to capture the bat for rabies testing to determine if you need preventive treatment.
For more information about rabies, visit the IDPH’s webpage.
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