Bat Tests Positive For Rabies In Naperville

NAPERVILLE, IL — A bat tested positive for rabies after it was found on Overton Court in Naperville, police say.

The bat was found on the ground on Aug. 19, according to a recent Tweet from the police department. As a precaution, police are urging residents to make sure their pets are up-to-date with their rabies vaccinations.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), there are 13 different species of bats in Illinois. Most often, residents are likely to encounter little and big brown bats, silver-haired bats and eastern red bats.

The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association reports that between 93 and 97 percent of bats will test negative for the rabies virus. Nonetheless, they advise that a bat should be considered rabid until a test has proven otherwise.

Bats who have been infected with rabies may:

• Be seen during the day (bats are active at twilight or after dark)
• Be found in unlikely places, including on lawns or inside homes
• Be unable to fly

If you encounter a bat that may be infected with rabies, IDPH recommends the following:

• Avoid handling the bat
• Contact animal control for help containing or removing the bat
• If you touch a bat that may be infected with rabies, thoroughly wash the affected area with soap and water, then contact animal control
• Seek medical attention immediately if you have been bitten by a bat
• Take your pet to a veterinarian immediately if you think it has been exposed to rabies

Residents can reach Naperville Animal Control at 630-420-6178.