The DuPage County Health Department is reminding residents to never touch or attempt to catch bats or other wild animals as now is the time of year when bats are most active.
There have already been several potential human exposures to rabies in DuPage County this year, and officials have recommended preventative treatment for 18 people who were potentially exposed, a news release said.
Despite the potential exposures, no bats have tested positive for rabies in DuPage County yet this year.
Will County, which covers the southern portion of Naperville, has also not seen any bats test positive for rabies, said Steve Brandy, spokesman for the Will County Health Department.
In Illinois, bats are the main carriers of rabies, and it is impossible to tell if a bat is rabid just by looking at it, DuPage County officials said. Other wild mammals including raccoons, skunks, foxes and coyotes can transmit rabies to humans.
Picture Source: ROADELL HICKMAN / Associated Press
