Bat Found in Frankfort Tests Positive for Rabies

No human or domestic animal exposures were identified, but a live bat trapped in Frankfort is Will County’s first case of wildlife rabies for 2015.

The bat was trapped live while hanging onto the base of a tree April 24, on the 500 block of Aberdeen. Will County Animal Control immediately transported the bat to an Illinois Department of Public Health laboratory facility in Chicago, and a positive rabies confirmation was received early Monday, April 27, according to the Will County Health Department. 

More than 32 percent of the state’s 40 wildlife rabies cases in 2014 came from Will County. The county recorded 13 wildlife rabies cases from May 12, through September 24, 2014. Rabies was reported in 16 Illinois counties a year ago, but no other jurisdiction reported more than six confirmed cases. All of the state’s 2014 confirmations involved bats.

Illinois has confirmed 722 wildlife rabies cases since 2000. All but nine of the cases (98.8 percent), have involved bats.

“The prime months for bat activity are July through September, when the weather is much warmer,” according to Will County Animal Control Administrator Lee Schild D.V.M. “However, this can be an issue anytime. It is important that parents warn children about the need to avoid contact with wildlife and unfamiliar domestic animals as well.”

All human exposures to bats and other wild animals should be reported to Will County Animal Control as soon as possible. Animal Control is available 24 hours daily at 815-462-5633.

Rabies is a life-threatening viral disease transmitted to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected, warm-blooded animal. The disease is almost always fatal if not treated within the first 10 days after exposure.

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