Human death associated with bat rabies--California, 2003.
Rabies is a rapidly progressive, incurable viral encephalitis that is, with rare exception, transmitted by the bite of an infected mammal. On September 14, 2003, a previously healthy man aged 66 years who resided in Trinity County, California, died from rabies approximately 6 weeks after being bitten by a bat. This report summarizes the investigation by the Trinity and Shasta County Health Departments and the California Department of Health Services (CDHS). Persons should avoid direct contact with bats; however, if such contact occurs, the exposed person should visit a health-care provider immediately, and the exposure should be reported to local public health officials.
D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D002685:Chiroptera / Q000821:virology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011818:Rabies / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000635:transmission / Q000662:veterinary