Two bats have tested positive for rabies in DuPage County so far in 2026, and 82 residents have already been advised to receive preventive treatment after possible exposure to bats or other wild animals.
The DuPage County Health Department issued the alert Wednesday, July 29, warning that bats are at peak activity during summer months and urging DuPage County residents never to touch or attempt to catch a bat or wild animal.
Of 48 bats submitted for testing in the county this year, two came back positive. The health department said those 82 residents were advised to seek treatment based on reports of bat and other animal exposures throughout the year.
Why it matters
Rabies is almost always fatal without preventive treatment, and that treatment must begin immediately after exposure. The last human rabies case in Illinois was reported in 2021, the first in the state since 1954.
A bat can look healthy and still carry the virus. Raccoons and skunks also pose a risk.
What counts as exposure
Finding a bat inside your home may qualify as a rabies exposure even without a visible bite. The health department said this is especially true if anyone in the home was asleep, if children were present without adult supervision, or if the bat was near someone unable to communicate clearly.
What to do if you find a bat indoors
The health department advises residents to avoid killing or releasing the bat before contacting animal control and public health. If it's safe, place a bucket or container over the bat and close the door to the room. If the animal can be captured and tested, and results come back negative, preventive treatment is not needed.
How to protect pets and family
The DCHD listed several prevention steps for residents:
- Keep pets current on rabies vaccinations and see a veterinarian immediately if a pet is bitten by a wild animal or exposed to a bat.
- Never try to rescue or keep wild animals. Rehabilitating bats in Illinois is illegal.
- Seal openings in your home that could let bats inside.
- Teach children to leave unfamiliar animals alone.
How to report an exposure
The Illinois Department of Public Health confirms that bats are the primary species identified with rabies statewide and that rabid bats can be found anywhere in Illinois.
Residents who believe they have been exposed to a rabid animal should seek medical care immediately and report the exposure to DCHD at (630) 221-7553 during business hours or (630) 682-7400 after hours. All animal bites to humans in DuPage County must be reported to DuPage County Animal Services at (630) 407-2800.
