PEORIA COUNTY, Ill. – Peoria County officials say a rabit bat has been found somewhere in the county.
The Peoria City/County Health Department didn’t say Friday where the bat was discovered or when, but they are warning residents about potential exposure to rabies.
Peoria County Animal Protection Services director Becky Spencer says anyone having exposure to bats should call PCAPS at (309) 672-2440 or (309) 674-3131 (after hours) and the health department at (309) 679-6603 immediately.
Much like the when and where of the bat discovery, they also don’t say if anyone has been hit with or exposed to rabies.
GUIDELINES FOR PROTECTING PETS AND PEOPLE FROM RABIES:
• If you see a bat in your home, leave the room and close the door if possible. Place a towel under the door to block escape and call Peoria County Animal Protection Services (PCAPS) at 309-672-2440. After hours at 309-674-3131. Do not attempt to handle or kill the bat. PCAPS will respond at any time to capture and impound bats that residents have encountered inside the living space of a home in Peoria County.
• Report all animal bites to PCAPS and the Health Department. If someone has been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
• Notify PCAPS or local Health Department if you suspect you, another household member, or a pet has been exposed, even if the bat was seen in a room with a sleeping child or adult.
• If you find a dead bat in your home, call PCAPS for instructions.
• Tightly close all outside doors to prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas where they might have contact with people and pets.
• Carefully examine your home for holes that might allow bats entry. Any opening larger than a quarter-inch by a half-inch should be caulked. Board up any openings to your attic, basement, porch, or garage. Cap chimneys with screens.
• Be sure dogs and cats are updated on rabies vaccinations by consulting with your veterinarian. Vaccinated pets serve as a buffer between rabid wildlife and humans.
• Do not handle wild or domestic animals that have been trapped. Contact PCAPS for assistance.
• 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.
For more information about rabies and bats, contact the Peoria County Animal Protection Services at 672-2440 or Peoria City/County Health Department at 679-6603.
(Source: PCAPS, Peoria City/County Health Department)
