BATS AND RABIES
The Illinois Department of Public Health warns Illinois residents to avoid contact with bats as we approach the time of year when bats are most active. Bats are the primary carriers of rabies in Illinois and already this year, 37 bats have tested positive for rabies in 13 counties. Last year, 103 bats in Illinois tested positive for rabies. Rabies is a virus that attacks the nervous system. Humans contract rabies after being bitten by an infected animal. If not treated, rabies is fatal. You cannot tell by looking, if a bat is rabid, but if you suspect that a bat has bitten you, get immediate emergency treatment. Remember, bats are not the only animals that can spread rabies, all wild animals can spread the disease. Finally, if a family pet is bitten by a bat or a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance immediately.
FEDERAL RECOVERY FUNDS TO IMPROVE ILLINOIS SCHOOL CAFETERIAS
Monies have been released to help some Illinois Schools.The Illinois State Board of Education will distribute nearly $4 million in federal recovery funding to improve school cafeterias in some of Illinois' neediest schools. The grant funds will be used to purchase equipment that will improve the quality and safety of meals, increase energy efficiency of cafeteria operations and boost participation in meals programs.
