DeKalb County, Illinois

The DeKalb County
Health Department

 

Press Release

DATE:      April 30, 2008

TO:            DeKalb County Citizens  

FROM:     Karen Grush
                   Public Health Administrator   

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT 

 

A bat from the Kirkland area has tested positive for rabies, according to Karen Grush, public health administrator of the DeKalb County Health Department.  “We have always known rabies exists in the county’s wildlife population, including bats.  The health department has continually encouraged pet owners to keep their pet’s rabies vaccinations up-to-date to reduce the chance of the pet becoming infected and in turn exposing humans to the disease,” explains Grush. 

As bats become more active in warmer weather, the possibility of human contact with these animals increases," states Dan Berres, Animal Control Warden at the Health Department. "If a bat is found in a home, people should call the Animal Control Program for advice on how to safely capture the animal and assess whether there was a potential rabies exposure. If bitten, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical advice immediately."  Save any bats found in the house for rabies testing.

Any wild mammal, like a raccoon, skunk, fox, coyote or bat, can have rabies and transmit it to people. The animal need not be foaming at the mouth or be exhibiting rabies symptoms. Changes in the animal's normal behavior, difficulty with walking, or just an overall appearance of illness can be early signs of rabies. For example, skunks, which normally are nocturnal and avoid contact with people, may appear friendly or ill and may approach humans during daylight hours.  A bat that is active by day or is found in a place where bats are not usually seen, such as in a home or on the lawn; or is unable to fly is far more likely than others to be rabid.  

"Although our natural instinct is to befriend or help an animal that seems friendly or injured, stray and wild animals should be avoided," Berres said. "Children especially should be warned against petting or trying to help any wild or unfamiliar animal."  Sick or injured animals should be reported to Animal Control or your local police.

Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. People get rabies from the bite of an infected animal or if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, comes into contact with the eyes, nose, mouth or a wound.  For more information contact the Animal Control Program at the Health Department at 815 748-2427.  Information can also be found on the Animal Control page of the Health Department website at www.dekalbcountyhealthdepartment.org/health_animalcontrol.html, or by following the county departments then animal control links on the county’s website at www.dekalbcounty.org.

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