A Massachusetts man is in critical condition after contracting rabies, the state’s first human case of the disease in 75 years, a Public Health Department spokesman confirmed to CNN on Friday.
The Barnstable County man is in his 60s and is not being identified, Health Department spokesman John Jacobs said.
Health officials suspect the man, who is in Cape Cod Hospital, contracted the virus from a bat at his residence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are performing tests to confirm the species, according to a Health Department news release.
The man’s family may have been exposed and are being treated, CNN affiliate WCVB reported.
Rabies is a virus that is spread from saliva, most commonly through a bite. It can be deadly in animals and humans if not treated quickly. The virus attacks the brain and nervous system. Common symptoms in animals include excessive drooling and unusual aggression. Humans may exhibit fever, sore throat and numbness or tingling at the site of the bite, according to medical manuals.
Death is first known U.S. case of vampire bat rabies virus
Two or three people die from the disease each year, a 97% drop over the past century, according to the CDC.
Two weeks ago, a South Carolina man died from rabies, the state’s first case in half a century, CNN affiliate WPDE reported.
Isn't that Mitt Romney's state?
Yes. But he hasn't been governer for a long time. This happened on Patrick's watch. Blame him. Tool.
Robin dammit, I told you to keep an eye on your bat friend.
test the dog pets too.
How many people nationwide get bitten by something-or-other and are given the rabies vaccine...that's a question that needs an answer. I suspect that's not as rare as we're led to believe.
Rabid cable news
Any body contracts such a virus it has to be released to the public but not names so if it was more frequent we would know
Mwooo hah hah hah hah.
You Americans are funny. Now politicians are getting blamed for rabies. Makes as much sense as blaming them for earthquakes, I suppose. Could the former or current governor have forseen or prevented this bat attack? I'm sure they'll be discussing that on John King USA tonight.
There are many bites by animals where the series of anti-rabies shots are given as a preventive measure.
I hear about it semi-frequently around here.
Where there is urban wildlife, there are bites. Racc oons, squirrels...they pose risks.
@bc(iah)©:
Lol. A Batman that bites. Holy rabies, Batman!
Holy rabies, Batman!
BOMBO:
I am increasing wanting to move up North.
I am getting rather tired of America's silly shenanigans!
Shenanigan. Another good word. Makes me think of an Irish janitor, or something.
Shenanigan, mop that floor again. It's filthy.
Aye, and a Happy New year to all.
BOMBO:
Evil shenanigans.
Super Troopers.
I didn't notice.
So, did the bat bite, or did he contract it some other way ? The story doesn't say. If he was bitten, how the heck did that happen ?