Killer bats

last updated 8 January 2015

Portel Island, Brazil

A rash of attacks by rabid vampire bats has panicked residents of an island near the mouth of the Amazon River, Brazilian newspapers reported. Thirteen people have died, and six others were being treated for rabies in a hospital. Nearly 300 more have been bitten, but escaped illness because they had been inoculated. Authorities said deforestation might have driven the bats into populated areas. After news of the attacks spread, 100 people camped out in front of a local clinic to receive the rabies vaccine, which must be administered over five days. One was the father of a 10-year-old boy who died after being bitten. “I’m afraid the rest of my family will die as well,” he said.