Rabid Bat Found Outside Crystal Lake Home

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL -- A bad found outside a home in Crystal Lake has tested positive for rabies, health officials said Monday. The bat was found on Sept. 11 and while no human was exposed to the bat, there has been potential exposure to a dog that was outside when the bat was found. In light of the recent incident, the McHenry County Department of Heatlh is reminding residents to keep pets up to date with vaccinations.

...This will not only keep them from getting rabies but also provide a barrier of protection for people if a rabid animal bites a pet," according to a news release from the McHenry County Department of Health.

The health department is also providing tips for dealing a potentially rabid bat:

• If a bat is found, whether it is inside or outside your home, do not touch it directly. The home owner in the recent instance in Crystal Lake handled the bat with a shovel and plastic bag, ensuring no direct contact.
• If a bat is found in the home, contain the bat in a room by closing the door.
• If you find a bat outside the home and think there has been exposure to a person or pet, or if the bat is injured, place an upside down bucket over the bat if it is possible.
• In both cases, immediately call Animal Control (815-459-6222).
• In order to test bats for rabies, it is important the bat be in good condition (i.e. head is intact) – either alive or recently deceased. Only in cases of confirmed exposure are bats submitted for testing. Specimens in good condition that test negative for rabies eliminates the need for rabies treatment following human exposure.

Across the state, 46 rabid bats have been reported positive for rabies so far in 2017, with approximately 43 of those found in northeastern Illinois.

Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system, only confirmed by laboratory testing. The best way to avoid rabies is to avoid exposure. A bat that is active by day, found in a place where bats are not usually seen (such as in your home or on the lawn) or is unable to fly, is potentially rabid. People should take a “hands off” approach to all wild animals to reduce their risk of exposure.

Children should also be educated to avoid handling wild animals. Bats are a protected species and part of the natural habitat, according to a news release.

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 http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/.