IDPH reports the first human case of rabies in Illinois since 1954

Posted on September 28, 2021
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported the first human case of rabies since 1954 on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By WJBC Staff

SPRINGFIELD – The State Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting the first human case of rabies in Illinois since 1954.

A Lake County man in his 80’s woke up back in Aug. to find a bat on his neck. The bat was captured and tested positive for rabies.

The man refused rabies preventive treatment and later died.

State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Connie Austin, if you have bats in your home, you may hear a scratching sound in the walls.

“So if people do hear that kind of scratching and worrying about if there could be bats in their homes, they can go out at dusk a couple of times of week, and look up and see if any bats are coming in and out of their house, especially the eve of their house. And if they see that, then they need to get a wildlife excluder in to get rid of those bats for them.”

According to Austin, if you do come in contact with a bat, you should call your local health department and animal control right away.

WJBC Staff can be reached at [email protected].

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