Man critical after rabid bat bite in UK

Experts feared the worst today as a man fought for his life after being bitten by a rabid bat in the UK.

The unidentified man is a volunteer worker from Angus who handled bats as part of his work.

He is being treated in an isolation ward in the intensive care unit of Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, where his condition was described as critical.

Doctors said the case was only suspected at this stage but tests could prove the initial clinical diagnosis of the virus.

It is understood the worker was not immunised against the strain of rabies - European Bat Lyssavirus – and his symptoms are advanced.

Dr Drew Walker, director of public health at NHS Tayside, said there was minimum risk to the public.

He said: “First of all we need to have confirmation this is a case of rabies but it is very easy for people to avoid becoming infected.

“These measures are simply people avoiding handling bats under any circumstances. If they come across bats which need help they should contact experts.”