First Rabies case in Illinois since 1954

Photo Courtesy of IDPH Facebook Page

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  – The Illinois 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 was bitten by a bat in mid-August, it later tested positive for rabies.

The man had symptoms of rabies such as neck pain and difficulty controlling his arms.  After refusing preventative treatment he later died.

State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Connie Austin advises on what to do if you find bats in your home.

“So if people do hear that kinda scratching and worrying about whether there could be bats in their home, they could go out at dusk a couple of times a week and look up and see if any bats coming in and out, especially East of their house. If they see that then they need to get a wildlife excluder in to get rid of those bats for them,” said Austin.

If you know anyone who believes that they have a bat in your house or need to get rid of bats visit IDPH.