In spite of all our differences, the one thing that binds all living creatures is that we each have an expiration date. This finality to our existence is what makes life special, something to be cherished and protected. But occasionally things can go terribly wrong…
At least 38 Warao Indians in remote Venezuela were killed by rabies spread by bites from vampire bats. Police have yet to confirm the cause, but the symptoms point to rabies.
If not vaccinated immediately after exposure to rabies, human victims will suffer horrible symptoms on their way to death. Symptoms include fever, body pain, tingling in the feet, a progressive paralysis, and an extreme fear of water. In the final days, victims will experience convulsions and grow rigid. There is no truth to reports that victims grow fangs, hunger for blood and avoid daylight.
Venezuelan health officials are investigating the outbreak and planning to distribute mosquito nets to shield villagers from bats. The government is also sending a medical boat to help treat victims.
