Orland Park, IL – A rabid bat was discovered this week in a residential area of Orland Park, prompting a public health alert from Cook County authorities.
According to the Cook County Bureau of Administration, the bat was found Wednesday in the 18000 block of Vivian Court and was confirmed to be rabid by the Illinois State Public Health Laboratory. The bat had been submitted for rabies testing earlier in the day and results were made available the same day.
Residents are urged to take extra precautions, particularly if they or their pets may have come into contact with any wild animals. Officials stress the importance of keeping dogs, cats, and ferrets on a leash when outdoors. Pets without current rabies vaccinations should be inoculated immediately, according to the alert issued by Dr. Mamadou Diakhate, D.V.M., Cook County’s administrator for Animal and Rabies Control.
The alert advises residents not to handle bats, skunks, or any other wild animals. If a bat or skunk is found dead or behaving abnormally on private property or public roads, the public is encouraged to contact Orland Park Animal Control at 708-878-1785. If local animal control is unavailable, residents can call Cook County Animal Control at 708-974-6140.
Health officials emphasize that anyone who may have been bitten or scratched by a bat should seek immediate medical advice. Rabies is a potentially fatal disease if left untreated but is preventable through prompt medical intervention.
Cook County continues to monitor rabies activity closely and reminds residents to report any unusual animal behavior.
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