Rabid Bat Captured in Wilmington — First For 2017 in Will County

WILMINGTON, IL — Will County's first rabid bat of 2017 turned up in a Wilmington backyard Saturday morning, the health department has revealed.

A Wilmington woman noticed her 5-month old puppy was playing with something strange, the health department said in a statement. When she took a closer look, she saw her dog had gotten ahold of a small bat.

The woman called Will County Animal Control, scooped the bat into a bowl and turned it over for analysis, the health department said. The bat tested positive for rabies.

"Including the dog found playing with the bat, this household is reported to include three dogs and two cats; all current on rabies vaccinations according to the home owner," the health department said. "The exposed puppy has been put in isolation."

The health department also reported that seven people, "including the two adults that live at the residence and five visitors or neighbors, all reportedly came in contact with the exposed dog’s mouth or saliva," and were advised to seek rabies post exposure prophylaxis.

The health department recommended keeping a close eye on pets when they are outside.

"Dr. Alpesh Patel from the Will County Health Department says it is very important to not allow your pets to roam free, and to keep your pets supervised while they are outdoors," the department said.

"Will County residents are reminded to not feed, touch, or adopt wild animals, stray cats, or dogs," the health department said. "Also, do not engage a wild animal that comes on your property. Bring children and pets indoors, and let the animal wander away. Remember to report all animal bites to Will County Animal Control, and encourage children to immediately tell an adult if they are bitten or scratched by an animal. Children should never approach or touch an animal they do not know."

A bat | image via Patch archive