More rabid bats found in Kane County

A recent spike in rabid bats found in Kane County is prompting concern from local health officials.

A fourth bat tested positive for rabies and another 15 are being tested, with results expected to be released today, officials announced Tuesday. Most of the bats were discovered in Aurora.

The findings are notable because last year the county reported only one rabid bat -- the first in five years. Bats are Illinois' primary carriers of the potentially fatal disease.

Surrounding counties also have reported a spike in rabid bats, with 21 found in Cook, 10 in McHenry, six in Lake, and five in Will so far this year. Statewide, 68 rabid bats have been reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health as of Tuesday.

"It's a serious issue and we just want to get the word out to the public," Gerry Jones, chairman of the county board's public health committee, said Tuesday.

In the latest case, a family of four in Aurora discovered a bat in the room they were sleeping in. All are being treated with a series of five shots administered over 28 days to protect against the disease.

Residents who find a bat in their home should call animal control authorities immediately. In Aurora call (630) 897-5695; elsewhere in Kane County call (630) 232-3555. Don't try to shoo the bat out a door or window, officials said, because it should be tested for rabies.

Humans can become infected when bitten by a rabid bat or when an infected bat's saliva comes in contact with a person's eye, nose, mouth, a scratch or wound.

Rabid bats might not show obvious abnormalities, so all contact with bats should be avoided. Because bat bites and scratches are small, any bat suspected of having contact with a person should be captured and submitted for rabies testing.

Homeowners also should survey their houses and garages for damaged screens and other small openings that bats can get into, advised Mark Anderson, Aurora's assistant director of neighborhood standards.

"This is clearly becoming a regional issue," Anderson said.