Update: Bat woes continue at Palos Community Hospital

The obstetrics unit at Palos Heights, Ill.-based Palos Community Hospital remains closed this week after a third bat was found, and one of two original bats found in the department tested postive for rabies, according to a pair of reports from the Chicago Tribune. 

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A hospital spokesman told the newspaper the third bat did not come into contact with patients or staff and that “wildlife remediation consultants” are working with hopsital, according to the report.

The Cook County Department of Public Health reported Monday it tested two bats, and one was positive for rabies, according to the Chicago Tribune. The hospital said no patients had come in contact with the first two bats, and the obstetrics unit was closed immediately. 

According to the Chicago Tribune, rabies vaccines have been administered to anyone who may have been exposed to the animals. The hospital does not yet have a date set to reopen the OB unit.

Editor’s Note: This article was updated on Aug. 17, 2016 at 9 a.m. to reflect new information from the hospital that a third bat had been found in the OB unit and that the unit remains closed.

 

 

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