CARLISLE, Pa. (AP) - Authorities say a rat being raised to feed a Pennsylvania family's pet snakes ended up biting a 6-month-old boy, killing him.

Cumberland County Coroner Charlie Hall said Thursday that the baby died from meningitis and myocarditis transmitted through the bite.

The family lives in Dillsburg. The coroner didn't identify the boy or his family.

Hall says the child was treated at a hospital emergency room Dec. 30 for a fever and a rash. Two days later, the lethargic and feverish child was brought back and died in the emergency room.

Lab studies later revealed the baby had rat-bite fever. Hall says police and county caseworkers are investigating.