http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0100...fm?objectid=12401204&method=full&siteid=50082 A NATURALIST who contracted rabies from a bat died last night. David McRae, who was being treated in Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, is the first victim of the disease in Britain for 100 years. Tests had earlier confirmed Mr McRae was suffering from infection with European Bat Lyssa-virus, a type of rabies found in several north European countries. Mr McRae from Guthrie, Angus, had worked with bats for 15 years and had been bitten on at least one occasion. The case was revealed by health officials in Dundee on Tuesday, after the seriousness of the patient's condition became apparent. NHS Tayside director of public health, Drew Walker, last night repeated the advice that the only members of the general public who might be at risk from the infection, are those who handle bats or who have been bitten or scratched by them. Clinical staff closely involved in the treatment of Mr McRae will continue to be offered advice and vaccination where appropriate, the health board added. Mr McRae had a licence to handle bats issued by the wildlife agency Scottish Natural Heritage, for which he carried out research. A SNH spokesman last night said Mr McRae's death was a "bleak day for everyone involved in conservation in Scotland. "Everyone at Scottish Natural Heritage is completely devastated by this terrible news." Mr McRae was a known bat enthusiast who had prolonged close contact with bats. In Europe, where the EBL strain is common, there have only been three cases of humans catching rabies since 1977. This is the first case of indigenous rabies in Britain since 1902.
guess it didn't bite him or do anything that made him realize he needed shots? I hear, if you have to go, rabies is <b>not</b> a very fun way to go.
