Macoupin County has had a number of rabies cases in the month of May and the public should be careful when encountering unknown animals.

According to Angela Weidner, Registered Nurse with the Macoupin County Public Health Department, several individuals have been treated for possible rabies because they came in contact with a bat or cat. She says the best practice to avoid rabies is to avoid wild or unknown animals of any kind. Children should be warned not to touch or go near any dead or sick animal under any circumstances. Rabies is transmitted by the saliva of a sick or dead animal.

If you observe an animal that appears sick or that is acting strange contact a local law enforcement agency.