WHEATON, IL - Illinois health officials say bats are active during this time of year and that means humans face a higher risk of contracting rabies from bites.
 
The DuPage County Health Department says never try to approach or catch a bat. Instead, health experts suggest calling the local animal control agency. If you find a bat inside, try to contain it in one room and call local animal control officials.
 
The Illinois Department of Public Health has said bats were active earlier this year because of the warm weather.
 
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system. Humans can get rabies from the bite of an infected animal. It can be fatal if left untreated.
 
Last year, 49 bats and one cow tested positive for rabies in Illinois.