MORGAN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
On June 11, 2024, Morgan County Health Department was notified by Illinois Department of Public Health that a bat submitted by Morgan County Animal Control tested positive for rabies. Morgan County is the 9th county in the state to report a case of animal rabies this year. The United States reports out 1-8 cases of human rabies per year. In contrast, there are approximately 20,000-40,000 cases of human exposure per year.
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system. The virus is present primarily in the saliva, brain tissue and spinal fluid of a rabid animal. The virus is transmitted primarily though saliva into open wounds or mucous membranes. Rabies is not able to invade intact skin. Rabies exposure does not occur from simply touching a rabid animal or touching something a rabid animal touched. Even a dry scratch from an infected animal as long as the area was not contaminated with saliva, is not considered an exposure.
In the wild, rabies is more common in bats, skunks, raccoons, coyotes and foxes, but the disease also has been found in deer and large rodents such as woodchucks. Cats, dogs and livestock can get rabies, too if they are not vaccinated. The last rabid dog reported in Morgan County was in 1978. The last rabid cat reported in Morgan County was 1972. The last human case of rabies in Illinois was 1954. Of all the wild animals tested for rabies, bats are the most common in Illinois to test positive for rabies, however, it is important to understand that the majority of bats do not have rabies. Bats are a protected species and an important part of our ecosystem. There are laws to protect bats in Illinois.
Morgan County Health Department would like to remind residents that they should never handle a bat or any wild or stray animal, dead or alive, with your bare hands. If you find a bat in your home, contact Morgan County Animal Control for assistance in removing the bat safely.
Bats are prominent in Morgan County and many people often experience bats in their homes. Should you have problems with bats getting into your living space it is important to contact professional assistance with removal and identifying areas of your home that are a point of entry. The University of Illinois Extension Office’s Living with Wildlife in Illinois offers lists of bat exclusion contractors in the area.
The identification of this bat is an opportunity to remind pet owners to make sure their pets and animals are up to date on their vaccinations and routine health care. Teach children not to touch a bat or any other animal that they are not familiar with. Do not try to intervene when two or more animals are in an altercation and you are unfamiliar with the status of the animals involved. Keep your animals on a leash when in public. Don’t store your shoes and boots outside in an open area where bats could roost for the night. Do not try to assist an injured animal on the road side. Call animal control. Prevention is key.
If you have had physical exposure to a bat or any unfamiliar animal, the affected area should be washed immediately with soap and water. Contact your physician or nearest emergency room for further recommendations. Be sure the exposure is reported to Animal Control and the local health department.
