Champaign, IL Health Alert: Rabid Bat Found Near Newman Hall

Champaign, IL – Health officials are urging anyone who may have encountered a bat near the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus to contact them immediately after the animal tested positive for rabies.

According to the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, the bat was found Wednesday, Sept. 30, near the Armory Avenue entrance to St. John’s Catholic Newman Center, commonly known as Newman Hall. Testing confirmed rabies Thursday, Oct. 1.

Anyone who touched the bat, was bitten or scratched, or may have been in the same room with it while asleep should call CUPHD at 217-352-7961 for consultation.

Officials said no human exposures have been identified so far and described the current risk to the public as low. Pet owners should contact their veterinarian immediately if their animal may have encountered the bat.

Rabies attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal after symptoms develop, but treatment can prevent the disease when administered following an exposure. Because bat bites can be extremely small, health officials say treatment may be recommended following physical contact when a bite cannot be ruled out.

CUPHD is also reminding residents not to touch wild or stray animals and to keep pets current on rabies vaccinations. Anyone bitten or scratched should immediately wash the area with soap and water for 15 minutes and seek medical care if rabies exposure is possible.

Residents who find a bat inside a home should avoid handling or releasing it if a person or pet may have had contact with the animal. Officials recommend contacting animal control for assistance with safe capture and possible testing.