A bat captured in Peotone is Will County’s second confirmed rabid bat of 2021. This bat was found in a residence in the 400 block of South Third Street. The bat was found in the main level bathroom, and no other bats were found in the rest of the home. All other members of the home were asleep with bedroom doors shut at the time the bat was discovered, and none of the two adults and three teens in the home had physical contact with the bat. PEP treatment for the family members was not recommended. The family dog had been recently vaccinated, and the family was advised to follow up with the dog’s veterinarian in regards to bearded dragon and chinchilla.
The previous 2021 rabid bat in Will County, back in April, was also captured in Peotone.
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 confined stray animals, injured animals, and stray biters.
In addition to reporting any discovered bats immediately, Will County residents are reminded to remove any people and animals from the area where the bat is, and to close off the vicinity where the bat is located if possible, and look over all present residents and pets that were around the bat for any small puncture or bite marks. Residents are reminded to not touch a deceased bat, and to please also remember to have your pets currently vaccinated against rabies.
For more information bats and rabies, please go to this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site.