Bat with Rabies Found Hanging from Porch Screen in Joliet

A bat found hanging from a porch screen in south Joliet is Will County's third wildlife rabies confirmation for 2013, according to a news release issued Monday by Will County Health Department media services manager Vic Reato.

Reato said the Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed the presence of rabies July 11, just hours after the bat was dispatched for laboratory analysis by Will County Animal Control. He said residents of a home on Middletree Road alerted animal control officials after seeing the bat hanging from a screen on the front porch in broad daylight.

Reato said no human exposures were identified. He said a dog living on the property is current on its annual rabies vaccination.

Two other rabies confirmations have been reported in recent days and weeks—both involving bats. Reato said a Plainfield bat tested positive for rabies on July 9. He said a Joliet bat tested postive on April 2.

Reato said rabies is a dangerous viral disease transmitted to humans from the bite or scratch of an infected warm-blooded animal. He said the Will County Health Department is urging anyone who comes in contact with a bat or other wild animal to notify the nearest animal control authority as soon as possible.

Will County Animal Control is available 24 hours daily at 815-462-5633.