September 2009
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are entering the time of year when bats and skunks are most active in northern Illinois, so please take time to instruct your children that they should never approach or handle unfamiliar animals even when they appear friendly.
You may not realize that bats and skunks are the primary carriers of rabies in the Midwest. Although no human case of rabies has been reported in Illinois in 55 years, rabies is a highly infections viral disease that injures the nervous system and can be fatal.
Should bats or other wild animals make their way into any of our schools, our policy is to seal and contain the inhabited area (generally basements or attics) and capture or exterminate.
Where questions of public health are concerned, the Rockford School District follows the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the State Department of Education. We are in constant communication with these agencies and follow their directions.
As a parent, you should consider the following rabies precautions:
Avoid contact with unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic. “Love your own but leave others alone” is a good principle for children to learn.
Wash any wound from an animal thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
Be a responsible pet owner by keeping vaccinations current for all dogs, cats and ferrets in your home.
Sincerely,
LaVonne M. Sheffield, Ph.D. Superintendent |
