Illinois Health Officials Report First Dog Rabies Case in 31 Years

A tragic and rare instance of rabies has unfolded in Chicago, Illinois. Health officials reported this week that a young pet puppy developed the fatal infection—the first such case documented in the state in over 30 years.

The Illinois Department of Public Health disclosed the case in an emailed December 22 memo sent widely to local health departments, animal control centers, and veterinarians. The dog had recently bitten someone and was euthanized after its behavior continued to…