Human rabies--California, 2002.

On March 31, 2002, a man aged 28 years residing in Glenn County, California, died from rabies encephalitis caused by a rabies virus variant associated with the Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) (Figure). This report summarizes the investigation by the Glenn County Health Department (GCHD) and the California Department of Health Services (CDHS). Persons who observe abnormal behavior in any wildlife species should contact animal control or animal rescue agencies immediately and should avoid approaching or handling these animals.