A Minnesota man died Saturday after getting rabies from a bat bite.  Health officials didn't identify the man, who was in his 40s. The state Health Department said he was bitten by a bat in north-central Minnesota in mid-August, but didn't seek prompt medical attention because no blood was drawn.

Now officials are trying to determine whether any health care workers were exposed.  Preventive treatment for rabies is almost 100 percent effective, but it must begin before symptoms appear or the disease is almost always fatal.

Rabies is rare. Last year, federal health officials confirmed just three cases in the United States. Only four Minnesotans have died of rabies in the last century, including another death seven years ago.  State epidemiologist Ruth Lynfield urged anyone exposed to a bat to capture the animal, have it tested for rabies and seek medical help.

She said it's also important to seek testing and medical attention when bats are found with unattended children, sleeping people or others who can't communicate what happened.