Rabid bats in Illinois present threat to human health

Over a dozen rabid bats have already been detected across Illinois this year in yet another threat to human health.

The cases are mainly scattered in the northeastern part of the state, with a total of 14 of the flying afflicted mammals discovered across 10 counties, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The health department tweeted out a warning on Wednesday, reminding residents to seek immediate medical attention if bitten or scratched by a bat.

Rabies, if not treated quickly, is typically fatal.

Illinois’ first rabid bat of 2021 was found in March — though health officials said at the time that the highest frequency of such cases appear in August and September.

“Most cases of rabies found in Illinois are found in bats,” IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said in a March statement.

“Although the majority of bats are not infected with rabies, it is important to avoid touching bats and to make sure your home has no openings where bats can enter.”

Bat specialist Debbie Buecher holds a healthy, rescued Big Brown Bat that she uses to teach others about bats February 22, 2011. Buecher and a team from the Bureau Of Land Management specialists recently explored some of the caves of central New Mexico looking for any of the creatures that might be infected with white–nose syndrome. The disease is believed to be responsible for killing– off at least a million hibernating bats in 16 states from Pennsylvania to Oklahoma with a cold–loving fungus that digests the skin and wings of the tiny mammals. Luckily, the bats around central New Mexico appeared to be healthy and the scientists will continue to monitor the caves
The cases are mainly scattered in the northeastern part of Illinois.
Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

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