Health Department Reports Rabid Bat Found In Crystal Lake Home

Press release from the McHenry County Government:

A bat that tested positive for rabies was found inside a Crystal Lake home. No human exposure was reported.

According to Maryellen Howell, Manager of McHenry County Department of Health’s Veterinary Public Health Division, “Whether a bat is found inside or outside your home, avoid touching it with bare hands.” Rabies can be transmitted through a bite, scratch, or any time saliva comes in contact with broken skin or a mucous membrane, so it is recommended that everyone remember the “hands off” approach when dealing with bats.

Howell advises people to use a shovel or plastic bag to ensure there is no direct contact between themselves and the bat. If a bat is found inside, contain it in a room by closing the door. If a bat is found outside and there has been exposure to a person or pet or if the bat is injured, place an upside down bucket over the bat, if possible. In both cases, immediately call Animal Control (815-459-6222). To test bats for rabies, it is important the bat be in good condition (i.e. head is intact) and either alive or recently deceased.

Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system. It can only be confirmed by laboratory testing. A bat that is active by day, found in a place where bats are usually not seen (such as in your home) or is unable to fly, is potentially rabid.

The best way to avoid rabies is to avoid exposure. Keeping indoor and outdoor pets up to date on vaccinations will not only keep them from getting rabies, but also provide a barrier of protection for people if a rabid animal bites a pet who subsequently bites or scratches a human. People should take a “hands off” approach to all wild animals to reduce their risk of exposure, as many different wildlife can carry rabies. Children should also be educated to avoid handling wild animals. Bats are a protected species and part of the natural habitat.

If you have questions about exposure, call MCDH’s Communicable Disease Program at 815-334-4500. To learn more about rabies prevention, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/.

This press release was produced by the McHenry County Government City. The views expressed here are the author’s own.