• Keep vaccinations up to date for all dogs, cats and other animals you own.

• Do not touch, feed or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.

• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse wild animals that are sick. Call animal control or a rescue agency for help.

• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn to reduce the risk of exposures to rabid animals.

• Look for places in your home where bats can get inside, and plug them.

• If a bat is in your home, try to cover it with a can or a bucket, if you can do it without putting yourself at risk for accidental contact or being bitten. Close the door to the room. If possible, don’t shoo it outside until you speak with animal control or public health officials.

Source: Illinois Department of Public Health