News that a dog in Chicago recently tested positive for rabies after biting a person—Illinois’ first rabid dog case since 1994—can feel unsettling, especially if you share your home or neighborhood with dogs. The good news: rabies in dogs remains extremely rare in Illinois, and there are clear, practical steps you can take to keep your family and pets safe.


In this guide, we’ll walk through what happened in this recent case, what rabies actually is, who’s at risk, and exactly what to do if you or your pet are ever bitten or scratched by an animal. We’ll keep it science-based, but also very down-to-earth, so you can move from fear to a clear plan.


Veterinarian examining a puppy in a clinic setting
A Chicago dog that recently tested positive for rabies has renewed attention on vaccination and safe rescue practices.

What Happened in the Chicago Rabid Dog Case?

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), a dog in Chicago tested positive for rabies after biting a person. This is the first confirmed rabid dog in Illinois since 1994, which underscores how rare this event is.


The dog reportedly came from a litter of puppies transported to a Chicago rescue organization from another location. At some point before or during this process, the dog was exposed to rabies. After the bite occurred, the dog was tested and confirmed positive.


“This is a reminder that while rabies in dogs is rare in Illinois, it’s not impossible. Vaccination, responsible rescue practices, and prompt medical care after an animal bite are essential layers of protection.”
— Illinois public health guidance (summarized)


Rabies 101: What It Is and Why It Matters

Rabies is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans, dogs, cats, and wildlife such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Once symptoms appear, rabies in humans is almost always fatal. That’s why prevention and early treatment after exposure are absolutely critical.


  • Cause: Rabies virus, typically spread through saliva.
  • Main sources in the U.S.: Bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and unvaccinated pets exposed to these animals.
  • Transmission: Usually via bites that break the skin, or saliva entering open wounds or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth).
  • Incubation period: Often 1–3 months, but can be shorter or longer.
  • Outcome without timely treatment: Nearly always fatal once symptoms begin.

Infographic-style medical illustration showing virus and nervous system
Rabies attacks the nervous system. Early post-exposure treatment can prevent the virus from reaching the brain.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasize that modern rabies vaccines and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are highly effective when given promptly after an exposure. In other words, a bite does not automatically mean you will develop rabies, but it does mean you need timely medical evaluation.


Signs of Rabies in Dogs: What to Watch For

Not every sick or aggressive dog has rabies, and you should never try to diagnose it yourself. Still, recognizing possible warning signs can help you act faster and avoid risky contact.


  1. Behavior changes
    A normally friendly dog may become unusually irritable, or an anxious dog may suddenly seem very calm or “out of it.”
  2. Unprovoked aggression or fearfulness
    Lunging, biting, or snapping without a clear reason—or extreme fear of touch—can be red flags.
  3. Hypersensitivity
    Overreaction to light, sound, or touch.
  4. Difficulty swallowing or drooling
    Thick saliva, choking sounds, or trouble drinking water; this is where the “foaming at the mouth” stereotype comes from, though it’s not always present.
  5. Staggering, paralysis, or seizures
    Trouble walking, hind-leg weakness, or neurological symptoms as the disease progresses.


Who Is at Risk After a Rabid Dog Bite?

In the Chicago case, the person who was bitten received care. Medical teams typically assess:


  • Whether the dog tested positive for rabies
  • The severity and location of the bite (bites to the head and neck are higher risk)
  • The person’s vaccination history and overall health
  • Whether saliva might have contacted eyes, mouth, or open skin

If the risk is considered significant, healthcare providers usually recommend rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which includes:


  • Wound cleaning: Immediate and thorough washing with soap and water.
  • Rabies immune globulin (RIG): Given around the wound and sometimes in a muscle, to provide instant antibodies.
  • Rabies vaccine series: A set of injections over several days to train your immune system to fight the virus.

“Modern rabies post-exposure treatment is very effective when started promptly after exposure. The most important first step is to wash the wound thoroughly and seek medical care as soon as possible.”
— Summary of CDC rabies guidance

How to Protect Your Family and Pets from Rabies

The Chicago case is a powerful reminder that prevention works best when we layer multiple protections. Here’s how to make everyday life safer without becoming fearful of all animals.


1. Keep Your Pets’ Rabies Vaccinations Up to Date

Rabies vaccination for dogs (and, in many areas, cats and ferrets) is not just recommended—it’s often required by law. It protects your pet and creates a buffer of protection around your household and community.


  • Schedule regular vet visits and ask specifically about rabies and core vaccines.
  • Keep a copy (digital or paper) of your pet’s rabies certificate.
  • Set reminders in your phone or calendar before vaccines expire.

2. Be Thoughtful When Adopting or Fostering Animals

Some rescue animals may come from regions where rabies is more common or where vaccination records are incomplete. That doesn’t mean they’re unsafe, but it does mean extra care is wise.


  • Ask the rescue or shelter for documentation of rabies vaccination.
  • Schedule a vet exam as soon as possible after adoption.
  • Limit contact with other pets and small children until a vet has cleared the animal.

Family adopting a rescue dog at an animal shelter
Responsible rescue and immediate veterinary care help keep rabies risk extremely low in adopted dogs.

3. Teach Children Safe Behavior Around Animals

Many bites happen when children are excited or don’t recognize early warning signs from animals.


  • Explain that they should never approach strange dogs, especially if the owner is not present.
  • Show them how to “ask permission” from both the owner and the dog (letting the dog sniff first).
  • Teach them to leave wildlife alone and to tell an adult if they see a sick or strangely acting animal.

4. Reduce Wildlife Contact Around Your Home

While many rabies cases in the U.S. involve bats and other wildlife, simple home strategies can reduce unnecessary contact.


  • Secure trash cans and avoid leaving pet food outdoors.
  • Seal holes or gaps where bats or wild animals might enter attics, sheds, or garages.
  • Contact wildlife control or public health authorities if you find bats inside your home.

What To Do If You’re Bitten or Scratched by a Dog

If you or your child is bitten, it’s normal to feel scared—especially with news like the recent Chicago case. Having a clear, step-by-step plan can reduce panic and improve outcomes.


Step-by-Step Action Plan

  1. Wash the wound immediately.
    Use soap and running water for at least 15 minutes if possible. This simple step dramatically reduces the amount of virus that can enter the body.
  2. Encourage the wound to bleed slightly (if it’s safe).
    This can help flush out contaminants. Do not aggressively squeeze deep wounds.
  3. Apply clean dressing.
    Cover with a clean cloth or sterile bandage to protect the area.
  4. Seek medical care as soon as possible.
    Visit urgent care, an emergency department, or your doctor. Tell them:
    • What kind of animal bit you
    • Whether the animal is known and vaccinated
    • Where and when the bite happened
  5. Report the bite.
    In many areas, animal bites must be reported to local animal control or health departments. This helps track rabies risk and ensure animals are observed or tested when necessary.

Healthcare professional cleaning a wound on a patient's arm
Prompt wound cleaning and medical evaluation after an animal bite are critical steps in rabies prevention.

A Real-World Scenario: From Panic to a Plan

A Chicago nurse I spoke with (details anonymized for privacy) described treating a patient bitten by a dog that was later suspected of rabies. The patient arrived understandably shaken, worried about what they had seen in the news and fearing the worst.


The medical team calmly walked the patient through what would happen next: thorough wound cleaning, a careful risk assessment, and a discussion of vaccines and immune globulin. The dog was reported and tested. While waiting for results, the team started post-exposure treatment to stay on the safe side.


Weeks later, the patient shared that understanding the science and having a clear action plan helped them feel much more in control. They returned to normal life quickly, with follow-up doses completed and a better grasp of how rare but serious rabies exposure can be.


Common Questions About Rabies and Dogs

Is rabies in dogs common in Illinois?

No. The Chicago case is the first confirmed rabid dog in Illinois since 1994, which highlights how rare it is. Most rabies-positive animals in the state are wild species, especially bats. Even so, vaccination and bite precautions remain essential.


Can an indoor dog get rabies?

The risk is very low, but not zero—especially if bats or wild animals can enter your home or yard. That’s one reason veterinarians and public health agencies still recommend keeping rabies vaccines current for indoor pets.


Do I need shots every time I’m bitten by a dog?

Not always. Healthcare providers look at:


  • Whether the dog is healthy and can be observed for 10 days
  • Whether it is vaccinated
  • The local rabies situation and bite details

Sometimes, careful observation of the dog is enough; other times, rabies PEP is recommended. That decision should always be made with a medical professional, not at home.

Veterinarian discussing vaccination with a dog owner in a clinic
Regular conversations with your veterinarian help keep your pet’s vaccinations current and your family protected.

Moving Forward: Staying Calm, Informed, and Prepared

Hearing that a dog in Chicago tested positive for rabies for the first time in decades is understandably unsettling. But it’s also a reminder of how well our current systems work: strict vaccination laws, responsible rescue practices, and effective post-exposure treatments all help keep human rabies cases in the U.S. extremely rare.


You don’t need to be afraid of every dog or wild animal. Instead, focus on what you can control:


  • Keep your pets’ rabies vaccines up to date.
  • Be cautious and informed when adopting or fostering animals.
  • Teach children safe, respectful behavior around animals.
  • Know exactly what to do if a bite or scratch happens.

If you have specific concerns—especially if you’ve recently been bitten or exposed to an animal that might be sick—reach out to your healthcare provider, veterinarian, or local health department. They can give you personalized, up-to-date guidance based on your situation and community.


Today, take one small action: check your pet’s rabies vaccine status or save your local health department’s rabies page to your bookmarks. Those few minutes can make a real difference if you ever face a situation like the recent Chicago case.