SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Public Health is urging people to watch out for rabid bats and other infected animals.

Bats are the most common source of potential rabies infection, and the peak time for exposure is August says state Public Health Veterinarian Doctor Connie Austin.

Austin says if someone wakes up with a bat in their room, that is considered exposure even if they can’t find a bite mark. So far this year, 27 rabid bats have been found in 14 Illinois counties.