Chicago Detects Rapid Dog

Chicago Health Officials recently confirmed that a dog living in a Chicago household tested positive for rabies, a fatal but vaccine-preventable viral disease.

This marks the first rabid dog identified in Cook County since before 1964 and the first in the state of Illinois since 1994. The last human case of rabies in Illinois was reported in 2021.

On December 19, 2025, the Chicago Department of Public Health, Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control, and the Illinois Department of Public Health stated they are actively investigating the case and coordinating all necessary follow-up actions.

The risk to the general public and to pets remains low, wrote CDPH.

However, as a preventive measure, CDPH recommends rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) when appropriate for those in direct contact with individuals who may have been exposed to the dog.

The health department says rabies is a disease that affects the nervous system and is typically transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly via bat bites in the United States. Normally, about 3-4% of tested bats are positive for rabies each year in Illinois.

Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccinating pets against rabies and avoiding contact with unfamiliar or stray animals. Residents are reminded to ensure all dogs, cats, and ferrets are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations as required by law.

Rabies vaccines for PEP are offered at pharmacies and clinics in the USA.

For more information on rabies prevention, visit the CDPH website at www.chicago.gov/cdph or contact CCARC at (708) 974-6140.