Illinois Warns Residents About Rabid Bats

According to an illinois.gov press release, Illinois public health director Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, is reminding residents to avoid contact with bats, especially during this time of year when bats are the most active. During this time of year, health officials also see an increase in human contact with bats.

In Illinois, bats are the primary carriers of rabies. This year alone there have been 42 bats that have tested positive for rabies in 22 counties.

Dr. Whitaker said, "The Illinois Department of Public Health and local health departments throughout the state have already received numerous phone calls this summer about people being exposed to bats...it is best never to approach a bat and, if found in a home or building, people should leave the bat alone and call their local public health department for assistance or instructions about removing it."

Each year around 40 to 60 bats test positive for rabies in Illinois. Just last year 46 bats test positive, said the press release.

People tend to assume bats are safe because it is not possible to tell if a bat is rabid by just looking at it. People can not get rabies from seeing bat, no matter where it is.

"Children should be warned against petting or trying to assist a wild or unfamiliar animal. While our natural instinct may be to help or befriend bats or other animals that appear friendly or are injured, these animals can carry rabies and should be avoided," said Connie Austin, state public health veterinarian.

Rabies or contact with wild animals should never be taken lightly. Rabies is an infectious viral disease that attacks the nervous system. The Illinois Department of Health warns that "humans get rabies after being bitten by an infected animal or if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth or a wound. Without preventive treatment, rabies is a fatal disease."