They’re the dark, winged creatures that lurk in the shadows, an animal shrouded in mysterious folklore, with old tales tying them to bloodsucking vampires. Bats remain one of the most enduring images of Halloween, with depictions in scary movies and front yard decor. While spooky in nature, what danger do bats pose to people?
To keep residents informed, the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control has released an orange, Halloween-inspired interactive map indicating the locations of rabies-positive bats around the county with tiny flying bat icons. Bats are found everywhere in Cook County and the map is aimed at bringing more awareness to rabies prevention.
With 11 bats testing positive so far this year, Mark Rosenthal, deputy director of ARC, advises Cook County residents to be cautious but not overly fearful. This time of year can instill some fear about these nighttime flyers, but Rosenthal assures people that the “vast majority” of bats do not carry the virus.
“Residents should not be overly worried,” Rosenthal said. “Bats serve a useful purpose and are important to the county’s ecosystem because they consume large amounts of insects.”
While not a common occurrence, bats in Chicagoland test positive for rabies each year, according to the CHI Health Alert Network. On average, Cook County identifies approximately 25 rabid bats annually. Bats are also the most commonly identified species with rabies in Illinois.
The county’s interactive map shows that rabies-positive bats were at their peak in 2018, with 27 bats testing positive. Cook County saw the least number of rabid bats in 2020, with just six testing positive.
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Without preventive treatment, rabies in humans is almost always a fatal disease. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, deaths associated with rabies usually occur in people who fail to seek medical assistance, most commonly because they did not know they were exposed.
Prompt intervention is key, Rosenthal said, recommending people seek medical attention immediately after exposure or a bite.
In September 2021, the IDPH reported the first human case of rabies in the state since 1954. A Lake County resident in his 80s found a bite on his neck, but declined treatment and subsequently died.
The early symptoms of rabies in people can look similar to other illnesses, including fever, headache and general weakness or discomfort. As the disease progresses, people may begin to experience more specific symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, hallucinations, agitation, increase in saliva, and a fear of water. In the Lake County case, it took a month for symptoms to appear.
While people often associate bats with the fall season, the likelihood of coming into contact with a bat is actually higher during the summer due to bat migration and feeding patterns.
“Bats are most active during the warmer weather and will seek shelter during the colder weather,” Rosenthal said. “That is why it is important to ‘bat proof’ or secure chimney entrances of homes and attic areas.”
People are typically exposed to the rabies virus from a bite by an infected animal. Despite what horror movies or television shows might depict, bats have very small teeth, so marks from their bites may be more difficult to spot. According to Rosenthal, a bat bite would look like small puncture marks.
Rosenthal said a potentially infected bat will display abnormal behavior, such as not being able to fly, lying on the ground and being active in the daytime, or can be found in an unusual place like inside a home. However, experts like Rosenthal recommend speaking with a doctor or medical professional immediately after an exposure or bite, whether or not a bat looks sick.
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“Rabies is not a visible disease,” Rosenthal said. “Laboratory testing is completed on bats to determine if they are positive for rabies.”
Rosenthal recommended pet owners take special precautions. The disease is “100% preventable” and is “always fatal” to unvaccinated pets, he said. The most important thing owners can do is ensure their pets, including indoor cats, are up to date on rabies and all other vaccines, he said.
“There is a misconception that indoor cats cannot be exposed to the virus, which isn’t true,” Rosenthal said. “Bats can and do enter homes. Ensuring pets are up to date on vaccines is the best way to protect them.”
To help prevent the spread of the virus, the county hosts low-cost or free clinics, which has helped vaccinate over 5,000 pets against rabies this year.
ARC’s final clinic is scheduled for Nov. 5.
The department also urges residents to avoid handling any wild animals. Residents who encounter a sick or dead bat should contact their local animal control or police department.
For questions or to report a suspected case, Chicago-area residents can call the Chicago Department of Public Health’s Disease Reporting Hotline at 312-743-9000. For after-hours, weekends and holidays, call 311 or 312-744-5000 if outside the city of Chicago.
