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CHICAGO - A dog in Chicago has tested positive for rabies, and 13 people are known to have been exposed, according to health officials.
What we know:
The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control confirmed a positive rabies case Tuesday.
Officials said it is the first rabies-positive dog identified in Cook County since before 1964 and the first confirmed case in Illinois since 1994.
The dog had been returned to PAWS Chicago after spending several months in an adoptive home, according to the animal shelter.
PAWS said it has taken proactive steps to protect the health and safety of anyone who had contact with the dog and is working closely with public health authorities to provide the animal’s history and clinical information.
The dog was transferred to PAWS Chicago from a rescue partner and taken to the shelter’s medical center for a standard intake and medical evaluation. Shelter officials said the dog received all required vaccinations, including rabies, in June once it was old enough.
After vaccination and medical clearance, the dog was adopted July 26, PAWS said.
Five months later, the owner returned the dog to the shelter on Dec. 17 following a bite in the home and what PAWS described as new behavioral changes and safety concerns.
PAWS officials said the dog was euthanized Dec. 18 at the PAWS Medical Center after an assessment by shelter veterinarians determined there was an escalating behavioral risk.
A specimen from the dog was sent to the health department for rabies testing after the owner was bitten, officials said.
Lab testing confirmed rabies Dec. 19, according to Cook County officials. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is testing the virus strain to determine its origin.
Thirteen people are known to have had direct contact with the dog and have begun post-exposure prophylaxis, the health department said. None have shown symptoms.
Pet owners whose animals may have had contact with the dog are being notified so quarantine periods can begin and rabies booster vaccinations can be administered.
Health officials emphasized that the risk of rabies to the public and pets remains low. The investigation into how the dog contracted rabies is ongoing.
What they're saying:
The City of Chicago issued this statement on the positive rabies case, shared below:
"A vaccinated dog in Chicago tested positive for rabies and was later euthanized. We are gathering additional information regarding the vaccination and the source of exposure.
"All required protocols have been followed. Most importantly, there is no immediate risk to the general population and no call to action at this time."
How serious is rabies :
Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease, officials said. It spreads from infected animals to humans through saliva, most commonly via bites.
Transmission can also occur if saliva from a rabid animal enters an open wound or the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Rabies does not spread through contact with contaminated materials such as clothing or bedding, nor through petting an infected animal.
The incubation period can range from several weeks to more than a year.
What you can do:
Residents are encouraged to check their pets’ rabies vaccination status. If vaccinations are overdue, officials urge contacting a veterinarian.
To learn more about rabies, follow this link.
The Source: The information in this article was provided by the Cook County Dept. of Animal and Rabies and the City of Chicago.