Rabies is a deadly disease that can affect all mammals, and is found in all states, except Hawaii. People usually are exposed to the rabies virus when an infected animal bites them. Exposure may occur if the animal's saliva enters an open cut or mucous membrane (nose, mouth, eyes). The most common carrier of rabies in Illinois are bats. The presence of a bat in a home, or any contact with a bat, represents a possible hazard for rabies. Contact the Kankakee County Health Department immediately if there has been human or pet mammal exposure to a bat. Rabies vaccine may be needed.
What you can do to reduce your risk:
- Do not feed, touch or adopt wild animals or stray dogs or cats.
- Be sure dogs and cats are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.
- Do not allow pets to roam free.
- Do not attract wild animals to your home or yard. Store bird seed or other animal feed in containers with tight-fitting lids. Feed pets indoors. Make sure garbage cans are tightly capped. Board up any openings to your attic, basement, porch or garage. Cap chimneys with screens.
- Encourage children to immediately tell an adult if they are bitten or scratched by an animal. Teach children not to approach or to touch any animal they do not know.
- Report all animal bites to the Kankakee County Animal Control
Report an Animal Bite/ Bat exposure:
Kankakee County Health Department
Phone (815) 802-9400
Fax (815) 802-9321
Kankakee County Animal Control
Phone (815) 937-2949
Fax (815) 936-4641
Healthcare Providers:
All healthcare providers are required to report animal bites to the Kankakee County Animal Control.
Rabies information from the Center for Disease Control
pdf Rabies vaccination information sheet
pdf Dog or cat bite scratch decision tree flowchart
Accommodations available upon request. Please contact 815-802-9400 Option 3 for more information.