Rabid Bat Discovered In Arlington Heights

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — A bat found in the village last week was determined to have rabies by the Illinois State Public Health Laboratory, according to Arlington Heights police Tuesday. The bat was discovered Thursday, Aug. 10, in the 200 block of West Fremont Street, police said in an community alert. Anyone who was bitten by or exposed to the bat should see a doctor immediately.

Police urge residents not to handle bats, skunks and other wild animals, whether they're alive or dead. If residents find any animal sick or dead on their property or on a roadway, they should contact the Cook County Department of Animal Control.

Residents also are cautioned to keep their dogs, cats and ferrets on a leash if they are outside, police stated in the alert. Pets need to be up to date on their rabies shots, as well, police said. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest Arlington Heights news. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

A Naperville girl recently was bitten by a rabid brown bat, and another bat with the disease was discovered there last week.

RELATED: Rabid Bat Bites Naperville Teen, Cops Warn Residents: Don't Touch

Photo via Patch archive

Like What You're Reading? Stay Patched In!

• Like our Crime page on Facebook
• Check out the Events Calendar for what’s going on