"Interactive Map Reveals Rabid Bat Hotspots in Cook County"

Cook County in Illinois has launched a Halloween-themed rabid bat map to raise awareness about the threat of rabies. The map, created by the county's Department of Animal and Rabies Control, displays approximately 70 locations where rabid bats have been found since 2018. Bats are the leading cause of rabies deaths in the United States, and most of the bats on the map were found in people's homes. Health officials urge people to contact public health officials if they find a bat in their home, as bat bites can be small and go unnoticed. Vaccination is crucial in preventing the spread of rabies, and the county offers low-cost or free clinics for pets.