Two Individuals Contract Rabies After Exposed to Infected Bat in Cary, Illinois – Reporting from NBC Chicago

health officials to urge caution and awareness of the disease. Learn about symptoms, prevention, and what to do if exposed.">

Cary, Illinois – Health authorities in McHenry County are investigating a recent incident involving potential rabies exposure after two residents and a domestic animal encountered a rabid bat on Thursday. This marks the first documented case of human exposure to the virus within the county this year, officials confirmed.

Both individuals are currently undergoing post-exposure treatment. The mchenry County Department of Health is meticulously tracing the circumstances of the encounter and offering guidance to anyone who may have been at risk.

Understanding the Threat of Rabies

According to data from the Illinois Department of Public Health, the vast majority of reported human rabies cases in the United States are linked to infections from bats. Though, notably not every bat carries the virus. Recognizing unusual bat behavior is crucial for prevention.

Here are indicators that a bat may be infected with rabies:

Observation	Potential Meaning
Daytime activity	Bats are typically nocturnal; seeing one during the day is a red flag.
Unusual Location	Finding a bat inside a home or in an atypical outdoor location warrants caution.
Flight impairment	Difficulty flying or being grounded could indicate illness.

Frequently enough, individuals are unaware of a bat bite due to the small size of the animal’s teeth, which can lead to minor or unnoticed wounds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that between 13,000 and 20,000 people receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for rabies annually in the United States. CDC rabies information

If you suspect possible exposure to a bat, even without a visible bite, it is imperative to consult with a healthcare professional or local health department immediately.

Protecting Yourself and Your Community

State officials strongly emphasize several preventative measures to reduce the risk of rabies transmission to both humans and animals:

• Never approach, feed, or attempt to handle wild animals or stray cats or dogs.
• Ensure that all pets – dogs, cats, and ferrets – are current on their rabies vaccinations. Vaccinated pets act as a vital barrier against the spread of the virus.
• Prevent pets from roaming freely, minimizing their contact with potentially infected wildlife.
• Discourage wildlife from entering your property by securing food sources. Store birdseed and animal feed in airtight containers, feed pets indoors, and ensure garbage cans are tightly sealed.
• Seal any potential entry points to attics, basements, porches, and garages to prevent bat infestations.
• Educate children about the dangers of approaching unfamiliar animals and instruct them to immediately report any animal bites or scratches to an adult.
• Report all animal bites to your local animal control agency.

Did You Know? Rabies is a 100% fatal disease in mammals onc symptoms appear. Early intervention with post-exposure prophylaxis is crucial for preventing infection.

Pro Tip: If you find a bat in your home, do not attempt to handle it yourself. Contact animal control or a wildlife removal specialist. Keep children and pets away from the area.

Rabies: A Persistent Global Threat

While rabies has been eliminated in many developed countries, it remains a critically important public health concern globally, notably in Africa and Asia, where unvaccinated dogs are the primary source of transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that rabies causes approximately 59,000 human deaths annually worldwide. Continued surveillance, vaccination programs, and public education are essential for controlling and ultimately eliminating this deadly disease.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rabies

1. What is rabies? Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system, typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.
2. How do I know if an animal has rabies? Unusual behavior, such as daytime activity, aggression, or difficulty moving, can indicate rabies.
3. What should I do if I am bitten by an animal? Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention.
4. is rabies treatable? Rabies is preventable with prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), but it is almost always fatal once symptoms develop.
5. Can my pet get rabies? Yes, pets can contract rabies. Keeping their vaccinations up-to-date is essential.
6. What are the symptoms of rabies in humans? Early symptoms include fever and headache, progressing to anxiety, confusion, agitation, and eventually paralysis and death.
7. is rabies common in Illinois? While not widespread, cases of rabies are reported in Illinois each year, primarily in bats.

Do you have any concerns about rabies in your area? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and help us raise awareness about this critical public health issue.

What factors contributed to the triumphant prevention of rabies in the child exposed to the bat, despite the two confirmed cases in adults?

Two Individuals Contract Rabies After Bat Exposure in Cary, Illinois – NBC Chicago Reporting

Understanding the Cary, Illinois Rabies Cases

Recent reports from NBC Chicago detail a concerning public health situation in Cary, Illinois: two individuals have contracted rabies after exposure to an infected bat. This incident underscores the importance of rabies awareness, prevention, and prompt medical attention following potential exposure. This article provides a detailed overview of the situation, rabies symptoms, prevention strategies, and what to do if you suspect exposure.We will cover key details regarding rabies in Illinois,bat-transmitted rabies,and post-exposure prophylaxis.

Details of the Illinois Rabies Cases

According to NBC Chicago’s reporting (as of August 30, 2025), the McHenry County Department of Health is actively investigating the cases. While specific details regarding the individuals’ conditions are being withheld to protect their privacy, health officials confirm both cases stemmed from contact with a bat.

The incidents highlight the risk of wildlife-associated rabies even in seemingly low-risk areas.

Public health officials are urging residents to avoid contact with bats and other wild animals.

Increased surveillance for potentially rabid animals is underway in the Cary area.

Recognizing Rabies: Symptoms and Progression

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It’s almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Early detection and treatment are crucial. Understanding the stages of rabies symptoms is vital.

Early Symptoms (2-10 weeks post-exposure)

These symptoms are often flu-like and can make diagnosis challenging.

Fever

Headache

General weakness or discomfort

Pain or itching at the site of the bite

Neurological Symptoms (As the virus reaches the brain)

These symptoms are more specific and indicate advanced rabies.

Anxiety

Confusion

Agitation

Hallucinations

Hydrophobia (fear of water) – a classic, though not always present, symptom

Difficulty swallowing

Muscle spasms

Paralysis

Bat-Transmitted Rabies: A Significant Risk

Bats are a major reservoir for rabies in the United States.Rabies in bats often goes undetected becuase bat bites can be small and easily overlooked.

Silver-haired bats,little brown bats,and big brown bats are among the species moast frequently found to carry rabies.

Bats may be present in attics, barns, and other structures.

Even seemingly healthy bats can carry the virus.

Never handle a bat, even if it appears dead.

Post-Exposure prophylaxis (PEP): Your Best Defense

If you’ve been bitten or scratched by a bat (or any animal suspected of having rabies), immediate medical attention is critical. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a series of vaccinations and, in certain specific cases, immune globulin injections that can prevent rabies if administered promptly.

1. Wash the wound: Thoroughly wash the bite or scratch with soap and water for 10-15 minutes.
2. seek medical attention: Contact your doctor or go to the emergency room promptly. Explain the situation and the potential for rabies exposure.
3. Animal control: If possible, safely contain the animal for testing. Contact your local animal control agency.Do not attempt to kill the animal unless absolutely necessary for public safety.
4. PEP Administration: PEP typically involves a series of four rabies vaccine doses over a 14-day period. Rabies immune globulin (RIG) may also be administered, especially if the wound is severe or the exposure is prolonged.

Prevention Strategies: Reducing Your Risk

Preventing rabies exposure is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family.

Vaccinate pets: Keep your dogs,cats,and ferrets up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. This is legally required in many areas.

Avoid contact with wild animals: Do not approach, feed, or handle wild animals, especially bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.

Bat-proof your home: Seal any cracks or openings in your home’s exterior to prevent bats from entering.

Educate children: Teach children about the dangers of wild animals and the importance of avoiding contact.

Report sick or unusual animal behavior: Contact your local animal control agency if you observe an animal acting strangely (e.g., unusually aggressive, disoriented, or paralyzed).

Illinois Department of Public Health Resources

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) provides valuable information about rabies, including:

Rabies surveillance data: Track rabies cases in Illinois.

Educational materials: Download brochures and fact sheets about rabies prevention.

Contact information: Find local health departments and animal control agencies.

https://dph.illinois.gov/topics/rabies.html (Example link – verify current URL)

Real-World Example: Rabies Prevention Success

In 2018, a child in Wisconsin was bitten by a bat. Due to the swift action of the parents in seeking medical attention and receiving PEP, the child did not develop rabies. This case