2 more Lake County bats found to have rabies

Two more bats tested positive for rabies in Lake County, bringing the total to four this year, according to the Lake County Health Department.

The bats were found June 15 in Waukegan and Tuesday in Deerfield. Neither came into contact with a human, though the Waukegan bat might have made contact with a dog.

"Thankfully the dog involved with this incident is up to date on its rabies vaccination," Dale Galassie, the department's executive director, said in a statement. "We appreciate the role that residents are playing in notifying us about suspect bats."

County ordinance requires all cats and dogs to have proof of rabies vaccinations.

Last year, nine bats in Lake County tested positive for rabies.

McHenry County also reported three rabid bats last week, bringing the total in that county this year to eight.

Lake County health officials are urging anyone who has direct contact with a bat or notices a bat acting in an unusual manner, such as flying in daylight, lying on the ground or in your home, to contact the health department at (847) 949-9925.

If it is in your home, do not chase it away because it should be tested for rabies. Instead, close the doors and keep people away from the room where the bat is located. Trained animal wardens will remove the bat at no cost.ˆ