Suburban residents are being urged to take precautions after a bat tested positive for rabies in suburban Park Ridge.
Officials in the city were notified by Cook County Animal and Rabies Control of a bat testing positive for rabies after it was found in the 1100 block of South Rose Avenue on Tuesday.
According to the CDC, contact with infected bats is the leading cause of human rabies deaths in the United States, with at least 7-in-10 rabies-related fatalities occurring after contact with infected bats.
In addition to bats, coyotes, skunks, foxes and raccoons can contract rabies, according to the CDC.
Rabies is most commonly transmitted via the bite or scratch of an infected animal, so residents are urged to use caution around wild animals. If a resident is bitten or scratched, they are urged to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, and to seek medical attention immediately if they suspect exposure to rabies.
Rabies is nearly always deadly if patients don’t receive medical treatment before symptoms appear, according to officials.
Advanced symptoms of the disease include hallucinations, aggressive behavior, agitation, confusion and anxiety.
In addition to being asked not to handle sick or dead bats or other wild animals, residents are being urged to ensure their pets are current on rabies vaccinations.
If a bat or other wild animal is found sick, injured or dead on your property or roadway, contact Cook County Animal and Rabies Control at 708-974-6140.
