(LIP-jl) -- A miner died after a rabid bat bit him on his left ear near the Andean city of Puno, Peru.
The victim, identified as Martin Moroco Turpo (29), was reportedly attacked by the bat 15 days ago.
The victim's wife reported that Moroco Turpo went to a hospital in Puno to receive medical attention just 5 days ago. Despite efforts by the medical staff from Puno Hospital, there was little anyone could do for the miner due to the advanced stage of his condition.
According to reports, Moroco Turpo was bitten in the area of Lechemayo, in the district of San Gaban, an area in Peru notirious for its high rabid bat population.
According to Luz Herquinio, a representative from the People's Defense Office (a citizen's watchdog group) from Puno, there have been numerous cases of people bitten by bats in San Gaban. She called on authorities to take measures to help prevent new cases from occurring.