Full statement from the Whiteside County Health Department
– On October 1, 2020, a bat was found inside a residence on the 700 block of East 2 nd Street in
Sterling, Illinois. Whiteside County Animal Control sent the bat to the Illinois Department of Public Health to
be tested, and the results came back POSITIVE for rabies.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO MAKE SURE THAT YOUR DOGS AND CATS ARE VACCINATED AGAINST RABIES.
Humans are at risk of contracting rabies through bites, scratches, or contamination of mucosa (eye, lips,
tongue, and mouth), or skin lesions by the infectious saliva.
DO NOT TOUCH OR HANDLE GROUNDED BATS!!!
When picking up dead or injured bats or animals, use extreme caution. Use a shovel or gloves that can be
discarded. Do not re-use gloves after handling a bat, and never use your bare hands. Please contact
Whiteside County Animal Control at 815-625-3507 if you are injured when picking up bats or animals, or if any
of your animals are injured or killed by a rabid bat.
For information regarding rabies, please visit the Illinois Department of Public Health Website at
https://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/rabies
