Public urged to review pet vaccination and exposure risks

The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control (ARC) has confirmed a rare case of rabies in a dog within the City of Chicago. This is the first rabies-positive dog identified in Cook County since before 1964 and the first in Illinois since 1994. The dog, vaccinated earlier this year, was surrendered to a local rescue and euthanized for behavioral reasons before testing positive for rabies. The source of rabies is currently unknown and under investigation.

ARC is working closely with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to investigate the case and assess potential exposures. At this time, 13 individuals known to have had direct contact with the dog have begun post-exposure prophylaxis, and no one is symptomatic. Additionally, owners of pets who have had contact with this dog are being notified by ARC so that appropriate quarantine periods can begin and vaccine boosters can be administered. The risk of rabies to the public and their pets is low.

What We Know So Far:

• The dog was vaccinated for rabies in June 2025.
• On December 16, 2025, the dog had a marked change in behavior and was ultimately euthanized and tested for rabies.
• Rabies was confirmed through laboratory testing on December 19; samples are undergoing further analysis to determine the rabies strain and potential exposure.
• The dog was born in Georgia, traveled to a Chicago rescue, was vaccinated for rabies and adopted by a Chicago family. No known exposures to rabies occurred in Chicago.

CDPH is reviewing how a vaccinated dog contracted rabies and will share findings as they become available. This investigation will inform public education efforts to prevent future cases.

Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease. It spreads from an infected animal to people through the saliva, most commonly through a bite of an infected animal. Rabies can also spread when a rabid animal’s saliva enters an open wound or the eyes, nose or mouth. For example, an infected dog licking your face or an open wound could potentially spread rabies. Rabies does not spread through contaminated materials such as clothing or bedding or by simply petting a dog. The time from exposure to infection in people or animals can range from weeks to over 1 year.

While this case is extremely rare, it underscores the importance of:

• Ensuring pets are vaccinated and up-to-date on rabies shots.
• Avoiding contact with unfamiliar or aggressive animals.
• Reporting any bites or scratches from unfamiliar animals to your healthcare provider immediately.

Call to Action: