McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has
received several calls from residents after finding bats in their
bedrooms. Homeowners have been instructed to contain the bat in a room by
closing the door or placing a blanket on it and immediately calling Animal
Control (815-459-6222).
In order to test bats for rabies, it is important they be in good condition (i.e. head is intact) – either alive or recently deceased. Following new reporting guidelines from the State Health Department issued in 2011, only in cases of confirmed exposure will bats be submitted for testing.
Specimens in good condition and test negative for rabies eliminates the need for rabies treatment following human exposure. To date, no bats have tested positive for rabies for McHenry County.
In contrast, there have been 30 rabid bats reported State-wide in 17 counties. Last year, McHenry County had four rabid bats with 50 rabid bats being reported statewide..
The best way to avoid rabies is to avoid exposure. For questions about exposure or to determine the need for treatment, call MCDH’s Communicable Disease Program at 815-334-4500.
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system and can only be confirmed in a laboratory. Keeping cats and dogs up to date with vaccinations will not only keep them from getting rabies but also provide a barrier of protection for you if your animal is bitten by a rabid animal
Most bats leave in the fall or winter to hibernate so these are the best times to "bat-proof" your home. A fact sheet on bat exclusion can be viewed at www.mcdh.info.
In order to test bats for rabies, it is important they be in good condition (i.e. head is intact) – either alive or recently deceased. Following new reporting guidelines from the State Health Department issued in 2011, only in cases of confirmed exposure will bats be submitted for testing.
Specimens in good condition and test negative for rabies eliminates the need for rabies treatment following human exposure. To date, no bats have tested positive for rabies for McHenry County.
In contrast, there have been 30 rabid bats reported State-wide in 17 counties. Last year, McHenry County had four rabid bats with 50 rabid bats being reported statewide..
The best way to avoid rabies is to avoid exposure. For questions about exposure or to determine the need for treatment, call MCDH’s Communicable Disease Program at 815-334-4500.
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system and can only be confirmed in a laboratory. Keeping cats and dogs up to date with vaccinations will not only keep them from getting rabies but also provide a barrier of protection for you if your animal is bitten by a rabid animal
Most bats leave in the fall or winter to hibernate so these are the best times to "bat-proof" your home. A fact sheet on bat exclusion can be viewed at www.mcdh.info.
Residents are encouraged to take a “hands off” approach
to wild animals to reduce their risk of exposure. Children should also be
educated about the dangers. A bat that is active by day, found in a place where
bats are not usually seen (such as in your home, in a swimming pool or on the
lawn) or is unable to fly, is more likely than others to be rabid. To learn
more about rabies prevention, visit the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) at http://www.cdc.gov/rabies
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