Bat Found in Mt. Greenwood Tests Positive for Rabies

CHICAGO, IL -- The first rabid bat in the local area was found in Mt. Greenwood over Memorial Day weekend. The bat was submitted to a state lab for examination and found to be rabid by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

A public safety alert from the 19th Ward said the bat was found May 28 in the 9900 block of South California Avenue. Residents are advised to keep their pets on a leash when outside the home, especially curious dogs.

If your pet has not been vaccinated for rabies, please see a veterinarian immediately. The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control offers low cost rabies clinics (and microchipping) throughout the county at a significantly reduced rate, as well as privately run clinics at local pet stores.

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Reports of rabid bats are typically on the rise in the spring with bats coming out of hibernation and baby bats, or pups, being weaned out of their nests. Of the hundreds of bats submitted to the state health department for testing, only a small percentage test positive for rabies.

If you find a bat flying around inside your home or business, contact a physician immediately. Contain or isolate the bat by placing a bucket over it, or contact a professional bat extermination service. Whatever you do, don’t crush the bat’s head because the brain is needed to determine if it has rabies.