FRANKFORT, IL — A bat captured in Peotone is Will County’s first confirmed rabid bat of 2021, according to a release from the county health department. The bat was found in a home in the 300 block of Third Street on Saturday.
Will County Animal Control was contacted, and the bat tested on positive for rabies on Tuesday. Two women and two cats in the household were potentially exposed to the bat, the health department said. The residents have followed up with post-exposure prophylaxis treatment, and consulted with their veterinarian.
Bats discovered in Will County should be immediately reported to Will County Animal Control at 815-462-5633. According to the health department, the Will County Animal Control program maintains a 24-hour answering and emergency pick-up service for confined stray animals, injured animals, and stray biters.
Find out what's happening in Frankfortfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Will County residents are reminded to remove any people and animals from the area where the bat is, and to close off the vicinity where the bat is located if possible, and look over all present residents and pets that were around the bat for any small puncture or bite marks, the health department said. Residents should not touch a deceased bat, and to have your pets currently vaccinated against rabies.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.