Rabid Bat Found Inside Crestwood Apartment Complex

CRESTWOOD, IL -- Cook County Animals and Rabies Control has issued a rabid bat alert for the Crestwood area after several bats were found inside a residence. The bats were submitted for a rabies examination to the Illinois State Public Health Laboratory. One of the bats was determined to be rabid.

Animal control officials were called to a residential complex in the 14000 block of Dori Lane in Crestwood sometime after 10 p.m. Aug. 15. The homeowner reported finding several bats inside the home. The state public health lab returned the positive result for the sick bat the next day.

Sixteen bats have tested positive for rabies so far in 2017. Those who believe they or a family member was exposed to or bitten by a bat should contact a doctor immediately. Residents should not handle any bats, skunks, raccoons or other wild animals.

Residents are advised to keep dogs, cats and ferrets on a leash when outside their homes. If your pet does not have a current rabies vaccination, make sure your pet is immediately vaccinated. Big box pet stores, such as Petco and Pet Supplies Plus, and the county offer low-cost rabies vaccination clinics throughout the Cook County.

Should residents find bats or other wildlife on their property or in the roadway, please call the Cook County Department of Rabies and Animal Control at 708-974-6140.

Read more about bats and rabies:

Bat-bit Crazy: 'The Midwest is Just Unbelievably Infested with Bats'