Rabies Detected In 5 Bats In DuPage County So Far In 2021

WHEATON, IL — Don't touch or try to catch a bat under any circumstances, DuPage County health officials advised residents in a recent alert. Five bats have tested positive for the rabies virus in the county as of Aug. 25.

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 not show any symptoms, but some infected bats 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 who have been bitten by an animal should call 630-407-2800 to report the incident. Anyone who may have been exposed to rabies is urged contact DuPage County Health Department at 630-221-7553 or at 682-7400, if calling after hours.