Published on August 14, 2026 3:36 pm
Last Updated on August 14, 2026 3:36 pm
The Coles County Health Department and the Coles County Animal Shelter are reminding residents to use caution around bats and other wild animals following confirmation of a bat that tested positive for rabies in Coles County.
The bat was submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) laboratory for testing and was confirmed positive for rabies on August 13. This is the first bat reported to have tested positive for rabies in Coles County in 2026.
If a bat is found inside a home, do not release the bat until you have contacted animal control or the Coles County Health Department for guidance.
Do not attempt to capture or handle the bat if doing so could result in contact with the bat or a bite. Contact Coles County Animal Shelter for instructions regarding safe containment and Coles County Health Department to determine if the whether the bat should be submitted for rabies testing.
For questions about a potential human rabies exposure: Coles County Health Department (217) 348-0530, Ext. 225
For questions about a bat found inside a home and whether it should be tested: Coles County Health Department (217) 348-0530, Ext. 227
For additional information about rabies and bats, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health’s rabies information page: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and conditions/diseases-a-z-list/diseases/rabies.html
