Rabid Dog Euthanized In IL Is 1st Case In Decades

CHICAGO — In a rare case, a dog in the city has tested positive for rabies, the first of its kind in Cook County since before 1964, health officials announced Tuesday. It also marks the first case in the state since 1994.

Prior to testing positive for rabies, the dog had been surrendered to a local rescue and was euthanized for behavioral reasons. The source of rabies for the dog, which had been vaccinated earlier this year, is not known.

The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control (ARC) is working with the Chicago Department of Public Health and Illinois Department of Public Health to investigate the case and assess potential exposures. At least 13 people, who are not symptomatic, are known to have had direct contact with the dog. Health officials said they have begun post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent the disease from spreading.

Additionally, owners of pets who have had contact with this dog are being notified by ARC so that appropriate quarantine periods can begin, and vaccine boosters can be administered. The risk of rabies to the public and their pets is low.

What Health Officials Know So Far:

• The dog was vaccinated for rabies in June.
• On Dec. 16, the dog had a marked change in behavior and was ultimately euthanized and tested for rabies.
• Rabies was confirmed through laboratory testing on Friday; samples are undergoing further analysis to determine the rabies strain and potential exposure.
• The dog was born in Georgia, traveled to a Chicago rescue, was vaccinated for rabies and adopted by a Chicago family. No known exposures to rabies occurred in Chicago.

CDPH said it is reviewing how a vaccinated dog contracted rabies and will share findings as they become available. This investigation will inform public education efforts to prevent future cases.

According to health officials, rabies is a fatal but preventable disease. It spreads from an infected animal to people through the saliva, most commonly through a bite of an infected animal. Rabies can also spread when a rabid animal's saliva enters an open wound or the eyes, nose or mouth. For example, an infected dog licking your face or an open wound could potentially spread rabies. Rabies does not spread through contaminated materials such as clothing or bedding, or by simply petting a dog. The time from exposure to infection in people or animals can range from weeks to over one year.

While this case is extremely rare, health officials said it underscores the importance of:

• Ensuring pets are vaccinated and up-to-date on rabies shots.
• Avoiding contact with unfamiliar or aggressive animals.
• Reporting any bites or scratches from unfamiliar animals to your healthcare provider immediately.

Call to Action:

• Residents should check their pets’ rabies vaccination status today.
• Pet owners should contact their veterinarian if vaccinations are overdue. For more information and rabies FAQs, visit www.cookcountyil.gov/service/r... or www.chicago.gov/health.