15 rabid bats found in Illinois

Posted on June 5, 2016

The Illinois Department of Public Health reports 15 rabid bats in Illinois in 2016. (WJBC file photo)

By Terry James

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Department of Public Health Director Nirav Shah said to avoid bats and other wild animals that may be on the ground and ill.

The department has already discovered 15 rabid bats across Illinois in 2016.

“If a wild animal is in such a position that it’s willing to let you come near it and pick it up it’s probably best to stay away from that animal,” said Shah. “That’s probably the surest sign that something is not right there.”

If you ignore the warning you could be bitten and could contract rabies.

Shah said a bite from a bat or other wild animal should be immediately followed up with a call to a physician or a health department.

Once rabies develops in the human body it is deadly.

Terry James can be reached at [email protected].

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