Second Rabid Bat Pulled from Homer Glen Residence

The Will County Health Department is advising post-exposure rabies treatment for a Homer Glen family in the wake of a second potential rabies exposure in four days.

Rabies was confirmed late Thursday, July 9, in a bat collected from the garage of a home on the 13000 block of west Little Creek. On Monday, July 6, a bat was collected from the same garage. The animal was confirmed positive for rabies Tuesday, July 7.

Because of two positives from the same location in less than a week, Will County Infectious Disease Control is recommending that the three people who live in the home consult a physician and strongly consider receiving post-exposure rabies treatment. The Health Department is also recommending that the family seek the help of a mitigation specialist to help determine if a bat colony is located nearby. If a nearby colony is identified, steps should be taken to make sure the home is bat proof.

“We’re entering the prime season for bat rabies,” according to Will County Animal Control Administrator Lee Schild D.V.M. “It’s important that individuals report any potential bat exposures to animal control authorities as soon as possible. It is also important that pet dogs and cats stay current on rabies vaccinations. The vaccine represents our first line of defense against the rabies virus.”

Five Will County bats have tested positive for rabies during 2015. The county has submitted 57 bats for laboratory analysis since January 1.

Rabies is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected warm-blooded animal. The Disease is always fatal if anti-rabies treatment is not quickly initiated.

Will County reported 13 cases of bat rabies a year ago. Bats have accounted for more than 99 percent of the state’s wildlife rabies cases since 2000.

Will County Animal Control is available to answer questions and respond to potential rabies exposures 24 hours daily. Inquiries should be directed to 815-462-5633.