Rabid bat found in Cary bedroom

McHenry County's fifth rabid bat was discovered Saturday, this time lounging in a Cary bedroom, officials said Tuesday.

Officials don't know if the bat bit the woman inside the room -- because bats' teeth are so small, their bites close before people realize they've been bitten, said Deborah Quackenbush, a spokeswoman for the McHenry County Health Department.

So as a precautionary measure, the woman will receive a rabies vaccination, Quackenbush said.

Last year, county officials came across a record 13 rabid bats.

This year, Cary has been home to three of the five rabid bats found in the county -- the other two were found in Woodstock.

But that doesn't mean they'll stay there, since bats, the primary carriers of rabies, are looking all over for nesting spots, Quackenbush said.

"Bat activity is pretty prevalent right now," she said, noting that April through June is nesting season for bats.

If you find a bat in your house, trap it within the room, close all the windows and doors then call the animal control department at (815) 459-6222.

Animal control officers will then catch the bat and test if for rabies.

As well, protect your pets by keeping them up to date with rabies vaccinations.

For questions about exposure, call (815) 334-4500.

"We want people to have the information on what to do, which is our key, prevention," Quackenbush said.