The DeKalb County
Health Department

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT 

Warmer Weather Causes Bats to Become More Active

            Bats are now the most commonly identified rabid animals in the state, according to Karen Grush, public health administrator at the DeKalb County Health Department.

            “As the weather warms up, bats become more active and the possibility of human contact with these animals increases,” says Grush.  “Our concern is that bats can carry rabies and could expose people.  Testing shows that 5 to 10 percent of all bats in Illinois are positive for rabies.”

            If you find a bat, do not approach the animal.  Call your local police department.  They will determine if it is necessary to contact the animal control warden.

            “Any wild animal, like a raccoon, skunk, fox, coyote or bat, can have rabies and transmit it to humans,” says Dan Berres, DeKalb County Animal Control Warden.  The animal may not have obvious rabies symptoms, like foaming at the mouth.  Look for changes in the animal’s normal behavior, such as difficulty walking, or just an overall appearance of illness.

Regarding bats, Berres states, “A bat that is active by day, that is found in a place where bats are not usually seen, such as inside a home or on the lawn, or is unable to fly, is more likely than others to be rabid”.

            Berres suggests these tips to help prevent rabies exposure.

• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear to be friendly or are injured.  Teach children to let a trusted adult know if they have had any contact with a bat, even if they do not think it bite them.
• Wash any bite wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
• Have all dead, sick or easily captured bats tested for rabies if contact with people or pets may have occurred.
• Keep vaccinations current for all dogs and cats.  Keep all pets under direct supervision.  Call animal control to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood.

For more information, call the Animal Control program at the DeKalb County Health Department at 815-748-2427.

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