A resident in Bolingbrook saw a live bat in the backyard that was tested positive for rabies on 9/12/2018. This was in the 100 block of Monterey.
Three dogs and family of two adults and three kids live in the house. No one in the house came in direct physical contact with the bat so no PEP (postexposure prophylaxis) treatment was recommended. The dogs will be taken to the vet for boosters.
Meanwhile, on September 14th, the WCHD was notified of their 18th positive bat for year. A resident off of Renwick Road in Lockport found an injured bat laying on his front porch while out with his dog in the early morning hours. Animal control was promptly notified and an officer was sent to collect the animal. After lab analysis, the bat was found to be positive for the rabies virus. There was no human or animal exposure involved with the incident and therefore Rabies PEP was not recommended.
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, 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. Please also remember to have your pets currently vaccinated against Rabies.
For more on dealing with bats, please go to recommended websites from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or Will County.