His home was the location of an entire bat colony.

Illinois reported the first case of human rabies in Illinois since 1954.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, a man in his 80s died from refusing treatment.

The Lake County resident awoke in mid-August to find a bat on the neck. He was captured by the bat and tested positive for Rabies.

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He declined to receive post-exposure treatment despite being warned. He began to experience neck pain, headaches, difficulty controlling his arms, fingernumbness and difficulty speaking a month later -- all signs of rabies.

Unfortunately, symptoms can set in quickly and it is often too late.

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director of IDPH, stated that "Rabies has one of the highest rates for death"

There is life-saving treatment available for those who seek immediate medical attention after being exposed to rabies animals. You should immediately seek medical attention if you suspect you have been exposed to Rabies. Follow the advice of public health officials and health care professionals.

Anyone who had "contact with secretions" of the victim were also at-risk; they were identified and treated as necessary.

Mark Pfister, Executive Director of Lake County Health Department, stated that "sadly, this case highlights the importance of raising public awareness regarding the risk of exposure to rabies in the United States."

"Rabies infection in humans is rare in the United States. However, once symptoms start, rabies can be fatal. It is important that anyone exposed receives the appropriate treatment to prevent rabies from starting.

Later, wildlife experts discovered that the victim had a whole bat colony.

Although human rabies cases in the United States are very rare, there are only a few cases each year. However, rabies exposures are still quite common with approximately 60,000 Americans getting the post-exposure vaccine series each year.

The most likely animal to contract rabies in New York State is the bat. More than 1000 people are tested each year for the disease. Only 3% of them test positive. This year, 30 people have tested positive.

A person can usually tell if they were bit by a bat. However, the bitemarks on their teeth are difficult to see.

According to the IDPH, if you are in close proximity to one ("e.g. If you awaken to find a bat in your bedroom"), do not allow the bat to escape. To have the bat captured, call animal control. Only lab testing can confirm rabies. You cannot simply look at a bat to determine if it has rabies.

Call your doctor immediately. Rabies can infect the central nervous system and eventually, if untreated, can cause brain damage and even death.

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Title: Illinois Man Who Woke up With Bat on His Neck Dies of Rabies
Sourced From: toofab.com/2021/09/29/illinois-man-who-woke-up-with-bat-on-his-neck-dies-of-rabies/
Published Date: Wed, 29 Sep 2021 16:38:26 +0000

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