Chicago Dog's Rabies Case: A Rare Health Scare

A recent case of rabies in a Chicago dog has raised concerns, but the risk to the public is low. The dog, adopted from PAWS Chicago, was put down after showing aggressive behavior. Tests later confirmed it had rabies.

PAWS Chicago's Response

PAWS Chicago has been around for 27 years and has helped over 91,000 pets find homes. This is the first time they've dealt with a rabies case. The dog was vaccinated, but something went wrong.

Only five people had close contact with the dog during the time it could spread the virus. No other animals or volunteers at PAWS were at risk. The dog was adopted in July 2025 and returned in December after biting its owner.

Understanding Rabies

Rabies is rare in the U.S. and can be prevented with vaccines. It's usually spread through bites. The virus attacks the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Testing for rabies requires examining the brain of a dead animal.

Investigation and Prevention

PAWS Chicago is working with health officials to understand what happened. They are also checking the vaccine used on the dog. The CDC is trying to find out where the virus came from.

Rabies is a serious disease, but it's preventable. Vaccines and quick treatment after a bite can stop the virus. This case is a reminder to keep pets' vaccinations up to date.