IRON MOUNTAIN -- The VA is urging veterans who deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan in the last 18 months to consider if they were possibly exposed to rabies.

This comes after a soldier from California who served in Afghanistan died of rabies in August, months after returning home.

Veterans who had an animal bite or scratch, contact with animal saliva or had a bat in their sleeping quarters could be at risk for rabies.

Veterans can call the VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain at 1-800-215-8262 or any one of its seven outpatient clinics in Sault Ste Marie, Manistique, Menominee, Marquette, Hancock, Ironwood or Rhinelander at 1-877-470-3811.