PEOTONE, IL — As temperatures rise across Illinois, health officials and police departments are warning residents to brace for a seasonal uptick in bat encounters — and the increased risk of rabies exposure that can come with them.
Bats Are Top Rabies Carriers In Illinois
According to a Wednesday advisory from the Peotone Police Department, bats continue to be the leading animals testing positive for rabies in Illinois. Each year, 3 to 9 percent of bats tested are confirmed rabies carriers, posing a silent threat in many homes — especially during warmer months.
Officials are especially concerned about bats found indoors, notably in bedrooms or areas near children or pets. In such cases, residents are urged not to release the bat until it’s been assessed by health authorities or animal control.
“Please do not release a bat until it’s been cleared,” the department emphasized. “Premature release could result in unnecessary rabies treatment or quarantine of household pets.”
When To Be Concerned About Exposure
Authorities outlined several scenarios that raise the risk of potential exposure to rabies:
- A person wakes up and finds a bat in the room
- An individual is unsure if they were bitten or scratched
- Young children or adults with dementia have been near a bat
- A pet is seen playing with or catching a bat
In these cases, the bat should be safely captured and submitted for testing to determine whether post-exposure rabies treatment is needed.
Officials Recommend Immediate Action
Local health officials recommend the following steps:
- Do not touch or try to swat a bat
- Contact animal control or the local health department right away
- If safe to do so, trap the bat in a room or container until help arrives
- Use official video guides or safety instructions provided by authorities
The department also highlighted that rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, but completely preventable if exposure is caught in time and the proper post-exposure protocols are followed.
Public Education Is Key To Prevention
With rabies season peaking, Peotone Police are urging families across the state to review bat safety protocols, especially in homes with small children, seniors, or pets.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed by following their local health department or visiting the Peotone Police Department’s social media pages for ongoing updates.
Have you or someone in your neighborhood spotted bats indoors this season? Share your experience and help others stay safe — drop your thoughts in the comments below on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
