Bat in suburban Chicago tests positive for rabies Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/22/4746983/bat-in-suburban-chicago-tests.html#storylink=cpy

ST. CHARLES, Ill. -- Health officials say a bat found in a suburban Chicago home has tested positive for rabies.

The Kane County Health Department says the bat was discovered in St. Charles earlier in the week, but there was no human exposure. It's the first bat identified with rabies in Kane County this year.

Health officials say that people should avoid contact with bats and ensure that pets have had rabies vaccinations.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has said bats were active earlier this year because of the warm weather.

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system. Humans can get rabies from the bite of an infected animal. It can be fatal if left untreated.

Last year, 49 bats and one cow tested positive for rabies in Illinois.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/22/4746983/bat-in-suburban-chicago-tests.html#storylink=cpy