June 7, 1999

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - A rash of attacks by blood-sucking vampire bats prompted authorities to declare quarantine alerts in northern Mexico, official news agency Notimex reported Friday.

Roxana Avitia Talamantes, head of disease prevention in the border state of Chihuahua, told reporters three small towns had been placed under special watch because of rabies fears after 15 attacks by vampire bats this year, Notimex said.

"In the hot season, like now, it's dangerous for inhabitants of the mountainous areas, especially (for) those walking about at night near woods or where there are caves," Avitia Talamantes said.

The state official said a 6-year-old child died earlier this year from rabies after being bitten by one of the bats.

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