Dog tests positive for rabies in Chicago, marking first case in Illinois in over 30 years
A dog in Chicago tested positive for rabies, marking the first case in Illinois in over 30 years.
The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control confirmed this is the first case in Illinois since 1994. This is the first case reported since before 1964 in Cook County.
Officials said 13 people had direct contact with the dog and have started treatment. No one exposed has reported symptoms.
According to Cook County health officials, the dog was vaccinated for rabies in June 2025 and had noticeable changes in behavior in December.
Officials said rabies spreads from an infected animal to people through the saliva, most commonly through a bite from an infected animal. Rabies can also spread when a rabid animal's saliva enters an open wound or the eyes, nose or mouth.
CDPH is reviewing how a vaccinated dog contracted rabies.