Dog tests positive for rabies in Cook County

Cook County is reporting a dog has tested positive for rabies, the first in more than 60 years.

It’s also the first in Illinois in 31 years, according to a news release from the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control.

The dog was vaccinated against the disease in June after arriving in Illinois from a rescue operation in Georgia.

It was adopted by a Chicago family. The dog’s behavior “changed markedly” Dec. 16, and it was killed and tested for rabies.

Authorities do not believe any person in Cook County was exposed. Thirteen people exposed elsewhere do not have symptoms of the disease, and are being treated prophylactically.

ARC has notified owners of other pets that had contact with the dog, so they can be quarantined and receive vaccine boosters.

Rabies is a fatal disease. It spreads from an infected animal to people through the saliva, most commonly through a bite from an infected animal. Rabies can also spread when a rabid animal’s saliva enters an open wound or the eyes, nose or mouth, such as when an infected dog licks a person’s face or an open wound.

In 2021, a Lake County man died of rabies. He had been bitten by a bat.

The time from exposure to infection in people or animals ranges from several weeks to over one year.

Authorities suggest checking the status of your pets’ rabies vaccinations today and arranging to get them if they are overdue.

For more information, visit cookcountyil.gov/service/rabies-prevention or chicago.gov/health.