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Venezuela deaths may be caused by rabid bats

Infection Control Monitor, August 15, 2008

Researchers believe they’ve discovered the reason behind the death of at least 38 Warao Indians living in remote villages in Venezuela. Based on medical symptoms, two University of California Berkeley researchers suspect an outbreak of rabies caused by bites from vampire bats, as reported by the AP.

The chief of the rabies program at the CDC has agreed with the preliminary diagnosis, and said the disease can be prevented by stopping bites and vaccinating those at risk of bites. Venezuelan health officials plan to distribute mosquito nets to prevent bat bites and send a medical boat to treat people in remote villages.

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