Illinois

27 rabid bats have been found in Illinois so far this year, officials say

Published

1 year ago

July 27, 2023

27 rabid bats have been found in Illinois so far this year, officials say

CHICAGO (CBS) — The Illinois Department of Public Health on Wednesday issued a warning about the dangers of rabid bats.

A total of 27 rabid bats have been found in Illinois this year so far. Within the CBS 2 viewing area, there have been five rabid bats each in Kankakee and Lake counties, four in Cook County, three in McHenry County, and one each in Will and DeKalb counties.

Rabid bats have also been spotted in in Bureau, Clark, DeKalb, Macon, McLean, Peoria, Rock Island, Sangamon, and Wayne counties downstate.

The department notes that rabid bats tend to be more frequent during the summer – particularly in July and August. Anyone or any pet who gets bitten by an infected animal or exposed to its saliva can get rabies.

If someone wakes up to find a bat in the bedroom, that is good enough to be considered an exposure to rabies – bite mark or not.

“Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in a news release. “It is important that Illinois residents know how to prevent rabies exposure to protect themselves and their loved ones. Rabies can be prevented in a number of ways including vaccinating pets, being cautious around wildlife, and seeking medical care immediately after a potential exposure. If exposed, please seek medical attention immediately.”

The deadly rabies virus affects the brain and nervous system. Anyone who gets bitten by a wild animal should seek medical attention – as rabies treatment needs to begin a few days after exposure.

A bat that is active during the day, is spotted on the ground, or can’t fly is more likely to be rabid.

Anyone who discovers a bat at home should avoid killing or releasing the animal. Local animal control or the local health department should be contacted to determine the next steps.

“It’s also recommended to take steps to protect your pets against exposure to rabies,” Dr. Mark Ernst, Illinois State Veterinarian said in a news release. “Illinois law requires that all dogs and cats 16 weeks of age and older be vaccinated for rabies and registered with their county. If an animal bites a person or your pet is bitten by another animal, the local animal control must be contacted for quarantine information.”

More information is available through the IDPH.

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Illinois

‘It’s a blessing’: Springfield Christmas dinner serves nearly 600

Published

11 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

‘It’s a blessing’: Springfield Christmas dinner serves nearly 600

SPRINGFIELD — Edwin DeJesus was showing his holiday spirit on his sleeve, and his pants, as he and his mom tucked into a roast beef dinner at the High School of Commerce Christmas Day.

“It is a blessing,” DeJesus said, wearing a green shirt showing Snoopy’s doghouse decorated with Christmas lights, green Dr. Seuss’ Grinch pants and a bright red hat.

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Illinois

Illinois state trooper mourned after being struck, killed by car on I-55

Published

20 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

Illinois state trooper mourned after being struck, killed by car on I-55 – CBS Chicago

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Trooper Clay Carns served 11 years with ISP and was a husband and a father to two young kids. Jermont Terry reports.

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Illinois

Illinois will be fourth school for Tomiwa Durojaiye

Published

1 day ago

December 24, 2024

Press Room

Illinois will be fourth school for Tomiwa Durojaiye

Tomiwa Durojaiye was a three-star recruiting win for Kentucky in the 2022 high school cycle. The Delaware native picked the Wildcats over South Carolina after recording 58 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and two forced fumbles as a senior. The senior defensive lineman would spend just one season in Lexington.

Duojiaye entered the transfer portal in the spring window ahead of the 2023 season. Durojaiye landed at West Virginia and had a strong year as a redshirt freshman. The defensive lineman recorded 23 tackles, six tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 14 pressures, and played 270 snaps. Despite the strong close to see playing for a 9-4 team, Durojaiye decided to enter the portal again.

Tomiwa Durojaiye landed at Florida State and only played 32 snaps this season. Durojaiye then became a three-time transfer when he entered the transfer portal on Dec. 9. The defensive lineman found another power conference home on Tuesday.

The defensive lineman has committed to Illinois and will play in a fourth power conference in 2025 after spending time in the SEC, Big 12, and ACC.

Alex Afari Jr. and Josh Kattus are the only signees from Kentucky’s 2022 high school class remaining on the roster.

The transfer portal is open for business and so far we know of 20 players who will be seeking out greener pastures this offseason.

DL Keeshawn Silver (Committed to USC on Dec. 19)
DB Avery Stuart
LB Jayvant Brown
TE Tanner Lemaster (Committed to Eastern Michigan on Dec. 22)
TE Khamari Anderson (Committed to Arizona State on Dec. 22)
TE Jordan Dingle (Committed to South Carolina on Dec. 18)
OL Courtland Ford (Committed to UCLA on Dec. 17)
OL Ben Christman
OL Dylan Ray (Committed to Minnesota on Dec. 21)
OL Koby Keenum (Committed to Mississippi State on Dec. 22)
DL Tommy Ziesmer (Committed to EKU on Dec. 15)
WR Dane Key
WR Barion Brown (Committed to LSU on Dec. 14)
WR Anthony Brown-Stephens
WR Brandon White
EDGE Tyreese Fearbry (Committed to Wisconsin on Dec. 22)
EDGE Noah Matthews
EDGE Caleb Redd (Committed to Kansas on Dec. 20)
RB Chip Trayanum
QB Gavin Wimsatt

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. Keep closer tabs on the Cats with our staff-only sticky thread on KSBoard, which will have updates on departures and targets throughout the offseason. Not a KSR+ member? Try it out today.

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