Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that can be transmitted from the bite of a rabid animal, such as a bat, skunk, raccoon, or fox. Domestic animals such as cats and dogs can also acquire rabies.
Most of the recent cases of human rabies that have occurred in the United States are caused by rabies virus from bats, and in Illinois, rabid bats can be found anywhere. Awareness that bats can be a source of the rabies virus can help people protect themselves.
More Information
For more information on rabies, please visit this online Fact Sheet.