Rabid Bat Confirmed in Unincorporated St. Charles

Kane County Animal Control has been notified that a bat found Aug. 16, 2026, in the backyard of a home in unincorporated St. Charles has tested positive for rabies. The positive result was confirmed by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

This is the first rabid bat reported in Kane County since 2024, when two bats tested positive for rabies.

Residents are reminded that anyone who has been bitten by a bat or had a potential exposure to a bat should contact a medical provider or the Kane County Health Department at 630-208-3801 as soon as possible. Bats have very small teeth and a bite may not always be visible or easily recognized. Finding a bat inside a home or workplace may also be considered a potential exposure, particularly if there is a possibility that someone had contact with the animal.

Kane County Animal Control also reminds residents to:

• Make sure dogs and cats are current on their rabies vaccinations.

• Keep pets on a leash or supervise them when outdoors.

• Avoid handling bats or other wild animals, even if they appear sick, injured

or dead.

For more information on rabies and bats:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Rabies

• Illinois Department of Public Health — Rabies

• Kane County Health Department​ — Rabies