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A Cape man diagnosed with rabies last week is alive and fighting the deadly virus, according to health officials.

As of Tuesday morning, the unidentified Barnstable man, in his 60s, remained in critical condition at a Boston hospital, said Barnstable Health Director Thomas McKean Tuesday evening.

The diagnosis last week confirmed the first human case of rabies in Massachusetts in more than 75 years. State health officials also confirmed on Tuesday that the man contracted the virus from a species of Myotis bats. The small, brown mammals are common in Massachusetts, said state Department of Health spokesman John Jacob.

The man's wife has been released from the hospital following precautionary vaccinations and was staying with friends, McKean said.

The man was apparently bitten in the couple's Barnstable home months before exhibiting symptoms.

Read more here: Cape rabies victim in critical condition | CapeCodOnline.com