'Diseases in bats have been
around for a long time and historically have not been a problem.
Now, there is
cause for concern,' expert says
Michael East
Bats have been attacking humans
in increasing numbers because their natural habitats are being destroyed
through deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon, scientists have found.
In the last three months alone,
vampire bats have bitten over 40 residents in the country’s north-eastern
region, one of whom has died.
The wave of night-time attacks
has caused blood-soaked beds and inflicted deep wounds on victims, many of whom
are being treated for possible rabies exposure.
“Diseases in bats have been around for a long
time and historically have not been a problem. Now, there is cause for concern
as cities expand displacing bats creating increased contact with humans,” Dr
Julian Drewe from the Royal Veterinary College told The Independent.
“In light of the Brazil attacks,
the authorities are trying to control the bats, poisoning them and removing
their roosting sites. However, this is likely to displace the bats to another
area rather than solve the problem.”
He explained that the location of
bites determined how fast rabies occured.
“If you are bitten on your toe,
it takes a longer time for you to succumb to the disease than if you are bitten
on the head," Dr Drewe said.
"This is because the virus
has further to travel to reach the brain.”
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