DeKalb County Health Department Confirms First Rabid Bat of 2026

June 22, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DeKalb County Health Department Confirms First Rabid Bat of 2026

The DeKalb County Health Department has confirmed that the first bat to test positive for rabies in DeKalb County in 2026 was found in a private residence in Leland on June 18.

Bats are the primary carriers of rabies in Illinois. Since a rabid bat cannot be identified by appearance alone, it is important to avoid any direct contact. A bat does not have to appear aggressive or show obvious signs of illness to carry the rabies virus. However, changes in an animal’s normal behavior, such as difficulty walking, appearing sick, or a bat that is active during the day, found on the ground, or unable to fly, may be signs of rabies. Any bat displaying these behaviors should never be handled.

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. People can become infected through the bite of a rabid animal or when saliva from an infected animal enters the eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound. Without prompt medical treatment after an exposure, rabies is almost always fatal.

Anyone who has been bitten by a bat or believes they may have been exposed should seek immediate medical attention. Because bat bites can be very small and may not be felt, particularly while a person is sleeping, special consideration should be given if a bat is found in a bedroom, a child’s room, or in the living area of someone who may be unable to recognize or report a bite.

Following a potential exposure, treatment and a series of rabies vaccinations should begin as soon as possible.

The DeKalb County Health Department recommends the following steps to help prevent rabies exposure:

  • Be a responsible pet owner by keeping all pets, whether indoors or outdoors, up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
  • If you find a bat inside your home, do not release it before speaking with Animal Control. If you can do so safely without risking a bite or additional contact, confine the bat by placing a large container or bucket over it and close the door to the room until assistance arrives.
  • Seek immediate veterinary care if your pet has been bitten by a wild animal or exposed to a bat.
  • Avoid handling or feeding wild animals, and do not attract them by leaving garbage or food sources accessible.
  • Never attempt to care for wild animals. Contact Animal Control or a licensed wildlife rehabilitation agency if you encounter an injured or sick wild animal.
  • Teach children never to touch unfamiliar animals, whether wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
  • Help prevent bats from entering your home by sealing openings and maintaining your home and other buildings.

Illinois law requires that all animal bites to humans occurring in DeKalb County be reported to DeKalb County Animal Control at (815) 748-2427.

For more information, visit the DCHD Animal Control website at Animal Control | DeKalb County Health Department

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