Illinois officials work to prevent rabies worldwide

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois public health officials are reminding the public that Wednesday is World Rabies Day. They are working with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to spread the word about how to stop the deadly disease.

The best ways are steering clear of wild animals such as bats and vaccinating pets against rabies.

In 2010, 117 Illinois bats tested positive for the disease which attacks the nervous system of mammals.

People should keep pet vaccinations up to date, seek medical attention for a pet exposed to a wild animal, call local officials to remove stray animals, do not feed wild animals or attract them with open garbage cans and teach children not to handle unfamiliar animals.