Bat Found in St. Charles Tests Positive for Rabies

A bat that tested positive for rabies was discovered in a home in St. Charles earlier this week. There was no human exposure.

This is the first bat identified with rabies in Kane County in 2012. The health department recommends residents take steps to proactively prevent bats from entering their home, remind children & adults to avoid contact with wild animals that are acting unusual, such as a bat that is outside in the day time or one that cannot fly, and to ensure all pets are up-to-date with their rabies vaccinations.

While most bats do not carry rabies, bats are the most common carrier of rabies in Illinois. One bat testing positive for rabies was found in Kane County in 2011, five in 2010, six were found in 2009, nine in 2008, five in 2007, and one in 2006. Rabies affects the brain and will cause unnatural behavior in mammals.

It is important to keep all pets—dogs, cats, ferrets, etc.—up-to-date with their rabies vaccinations. Not only does the vaccine protect the pet, it also serves as barrier of protection for people. Even indoor pets should be vaccinated, as illustrated by the fact that some of the bat cases are found indoors. The last human case of rabies in Illinois was reported in 1954.

Information about exclusion—keeping bats from entering your home—can be found by visiting the Illinois Department of Public Health Web site at http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/pcbats.htm.

For information about a referral for capturing bats or for submitting specimens for testing, please call Kane County Animal Control at (630) 232-3555.

SOURCE: Kane County Health Department