A total of 68 people have received rabies shots in McHenry County so far this year as a precautionary measure due to rabid bats being found.

The McHenry County Department of Health has reported its 12th rabid bat this year, one short of last year's county record of 13.

Rabid bats were found Aug. 2 on a Crystal Lake bike path, Aug. 4 on a Spring Grove deck and Aug. 13 in a Crystal Lake kitchen.

There was no human exposure in any of the recent findings.  Since April, rabid bats have been found in Woodstock, Cary and Island Lake.

State-wide, the Illinois Department of Public Health has  reported 42 rabid bats. 
If a bat is found in a home, contact McHenry County Animal Control at 815-459-6222.
Do not release the bat, but contain it in a room or under a bucket. In order to test bats for rabies, they need to be in good condition – either alive or recently deceased. Specimens that are in good condition and test negative for rabies eliminates the need for rabies treatment.

Numerous other animals in the county have been tested this year for rabies (i.e. dogs, cats, a raccoon, a skunk, a coyote, a muskrat, a squirrel and a badger), but only bats have been positive.
A rabies fact sheet is available at the IDPH Web site, www.idph.state.il.us/public/hb/hbrabies.htm.
Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system and can only be confirmed in a laboratory. The best way to avoid rabies is to avoid exposure, according to the McHenry County Department of Health.  Residents are encouraged to take a “hands off” approach to wild animals to reduce their risk of exposure.

Parents also need to educate their children of the dangers.  Keeping dogs and cats up to date on vaccinations is a good way to protect them from rabies, Health Department officials note.  A bat that is active by day, found in a place where bats are not usually seen (such as in a home or swimming pool or on the lawn) or is unable to fly, is more likely to be rabid.

Questions about exposure should be directed to MCDH's Communicable Disease Program at 815-334-4500.