If someone wakes up to find a bat in the room, that is also considered an exposure even if they cannot identify a bite.Ī bat’s teeth are small, so someone who has been bitten by a bat may not know it, or may be unable to communicate it (for example, very small children). 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. People can get rabies from being bitten by an infected animal. Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the brain and nervous system. If exposed, please seek medical attention immediately.” 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. “It is important that Illinois residents know how to prevent rabies exposure to protect themselves and their loved ones. “Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease,” said IDPH Director Dr. The disease can also be found in other wild animals, including raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes. Rabies has also been found in bats in Bureau, Clark, DeKalb, Macon, McLean, Peoria, Rock Island, Sangamon, Wayne, and Will counties.īats 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 release says. There have been five rabid bats each in Kankakee and Lake counties, four in Cook County, and three in McHenry County. So far this year, 27 rabid bats have been found in fourteen Illinois counties. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reminds the public to be aware of the potential for exposure to rabies from infected animals, a news release.
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