Shorewood Scare: Bat With Rabies Visits Family's House

SHOREWOOD, IL — You don't hear of many instances of bats with rabies being found in the village of Shorewood, but it's happened. The Will County Health Department announced Thursday that the sixth confirmed case of a rabid bat this year occurred this week in Shorewood.

The bat was flying around inside an attic in the 1100 block of Cambridge Lane, according to the health department. After the access stairs to the family's attic was opened, the homeowner learned of the bat's existence.

"The homeowner stated there was no exposure to the bat by children or animals in the home. Scratching had been noticed in the attic and the residents investigated. The family trapped the bat by closing the bathroom door," the health department announced.

Will County's Health Department reminds people that although it has been a slow year for rabid bats, there were 19 confirmed rabid bats in Will County last year.

Bats discovered in Will County need to be immediately reported to Will County animal control at 815-462-5633. The Will County Animal Control Program maintains a 24-hour answering and emergency pick-up service for confirmed stray animals, injured animals and stray biters, Thursday's news release noted.

Residents in Will County are reminded to not touch a deceased bat and remember to have your pets currently vaccinated against rabies.