CHICAGO — In a rare occurrence, a dog in Chicago has been confirmed to have rabies for the first time in several decades.
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The Bow Wow Lounge, a well-known pet boarding and daycare center located on North Ravenswood, reported that the infected dog recently visited their establishment.
The facility has promptly informed all pet owners whose dogs might have come into contact with the rabid dog.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, this is the first case of a rabid dog in Cook County since before 1964.
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The infected dog reportedly bit an individual on December 11, and subsequent tests confirmed the presence of rabies.
Interestingly, records show that the dog had received a rabies vaccination in June.
According to the IDPH, the dog was sent to Chicago from a Florida rescue group in May, before being adopted.
The IDPH said the dog had behavioral issues throughout its life and was euthanized on Dec. 18.
The source of rabies exposure is under investigation, and the lot of the rabies vaccination the dog received is being tested.
PAWS Chicago said it received the dog as a puppy in May, and he received various vaccines, including rabies, when age appropriate.
He was adopted into a family in July, and returned to to PAWS in December.
The organization said no PAWS animals or volunteers were in contact with the dog in December, when the virus was likely shedding.
