Rabid Bats and West Nile Virus: Are You Afraid to Go Outdoors?

By Joe Vince

Bats and mosquitos are creatures that have sketchy reputations among humans, to say the least. 

But when those animals are found to be carrying nasty viruses, people go from being uneasy around them to downright fearful. 

READ: Rabid Bat Found in Bedroom Closet, Health Department Says

In the past week, there have been at least three confirmed reports of rabid bats in the following suburbs:

• Plainfield: A live bat tested positive for rabies in July. 
• Joliet: Will County health officials also confirmed that two rabid bats also were found in that city recently.
• Mokena: A live bat later found to be rabid was found inside a home Aug. 27, though it was discovered before injuring any people or pets.
• Tinley Park: The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control reported Aug. 27, that the Illinois State Public Health Laboratory determined a bat find by a resident was rabid.
• Evergreen Park: A homeowner found a dead bat that tested positive for rabies late last week.

On Wednesday, the Cook County Department of Public Health announced reported that an Oak Lawn man in his 50s was infected with West Nile virus last month. The man is recovering, and the village plans to spray its Fall On the Green festival area as a response.

And on Thursday, Will County health officials confirmed that mosquitoes caught earlier this month in Plainfield and Bolingbrook carried the West Nile virus.

READ: Oak Lawn Man is 1st Cook County Case of West Nile Virus in 2013