Health
Chicago Dog Tests Positive for Rabies, First in Cook County in More Than 60 Years
(Roman Budnyi / iStock)
A case of rabies was confirmed in a Chicago dog, making it the first rabies-positive dog identified in Cook County since before 1964, the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control announced Tuesday.
Before testing positive for rabies, the dog was surrendered to a local rescue and euthanized after the dog had a “marked” change in behavior on Dec. 16, according to a news release. After being euthanized for behavioral reasons, rabies was confirmed through lab testing on Dec. 19.
The source of rabies is currently unknown and under investigation, according to officials.
Thirteen people known to have had direct contact with the dog have started post-exposure prophylaxis medication; no one is symptomatic, according to the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control. The owners of pets who have had contact with the dog are being notified by the department so they can begin quarantine periods and receive vaccine boosters, the department said.
The dog was born in Georgia, traveled to a Chicago rescue, was vaccinated for rabies and adopted by a Chicago family, according to the department. The dog was vaccinated for rabies in June. No known exposures to rabies occurred in Chicago, according to a news release.
The case is the first rabies-positive dog identified in Illinois since 1994.
The Chicago Department of Public Health is reviewing how a vaccinated dog contracted rabies and will share findings as they become available, according to a news release.
The risk of rabies to the public and pets is low, according to officials.
Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease. It spreads from an infected animal to people through saliva, most commonly through a bite of an infected animal. Rabies can also spread when a rabid animal’s saliva enters an open wound or the eyes, nose or mouth, according to a news release.
The time from exposure to infection in people or animals can range from weeks to more than one year.
The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control described the case as “extremely rare,” but it is reminding people to ensure pets are vaccinated and up-to-date on rabies shots. Officials are also reminding people to avoid contact with unfamiliar or aggressive animals, and report any bites or scratches from unfamiliar animals to a health care provider.
Contact Eunice Alpasan: [email protected]
