Man Dies of Viral Rabies Infection After Contact With a Bat

This is an undated closeup photo of the eastern pipistrelle bat, a species that is frequently linked with human rabies cases. Merlin D./The Canadian Press/AP

VICTORIA—A British Columbia man has died of a rare viral rabies infection, the first such case in the province since 2003.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says the man was in contact with a bat in mid-May and developed symptoms compatible with rabies six weeks later.