Vampire bats kill man

A PLAGUE of bloodsucking vampire bats has caused panic in regions across Brazil after they began feasting on humans, leaving one person dead.

The diseased creatures first began terrorising populated areas in March after their natural home in nearby forests and caves was destroyed.

Since then, terrified residents have reported being feasted on by the hungry mammals in the middle of the night as they slept.

Health chiefs say more than 40 people have been hospitalised and treated for rabies after being bitten.

A farmer in the township of Paramirim named as Edivalson Francisco Souza, 46, died in March after he was bitten on the foot by a rabies-carrying bat.

It was Brazil’s first case of the deadly disease being transmitted from a bat to a human in 13 years.

Mr Souza was reportedly milking a cow when he stood on a bat and was bitten. He washed the wound but avoided seeing a doctor.

Three weeks later he died, after suffering headaches, shortness of breath, severe anxiety and nausea. It was too late for doctors to administer a lifesaving vaccination.

Health authorities issued a public alert, prompting a flurry of reports of attacks.