Bats are natural reservoirs for diseases like Rabies. (Flickr.com, eNil, Creative Commons).
Bats are natural reservoirs for diseases like Rabies. (Flickr.com, eNil, Creative Commons).
Updated: Thursday, 25 Jun 2009, 8:40 AM CDT
Published : Thursday, 25 Jun 2009, 7:32 AM CDT
The Kane County Health Department said Wednesday two bats found in the northern part of the county have tested positive for rabies.One was found in Elgin and the other in Dundee. Although both were discovered in residences, there were no human or pet exposures, the Health Department said.
Department Executive Director Paul Kuehnert advised residents to have their pets vaccinated as a way to prevent the spread of rabies.
"The most important measure people can take is to ensure that their pet's vaccinations are up to date," Kuehnert said.
Because many of the positive bats are discovered indoors, it is important to vaccinate pets even if they never venture outdoors, he said.
Bats are the primary carriers of rabies in Illinois.
Last year, Kane County reported nine positive bats, while statewide there were 113 confirmed cases.
A case of human rabies has not been reported in Illinois since 1954.
For information, call the Health Department at (630) 208-3801 or Kane County Animal Control at (630) 232-3555.
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