Ontario Child Dies from Rabies After Bat Exposure: Health Officials Warn of Rising Cases

An Ontario child has died after coming in contact with a rabid bat, a health official confirmed on Wednesday. The death is the first domestically acquired case of human rabies in Ontario since 1967.

The child, whose age has not been released, was exposed to the virus in the Timiskaming region, north of Sudbury. The parents woke up to find a bat in the child's room, but did not see any signs of a bite or scratches and did not seek medical attention. The child later died from the infection.

"They woke up with a bat in their room," Lock said. "The parents looked, didn't see any signs of a bite or scratches or saliva, and didn't seek getting a rabies vaccine."

Dr. Malcolm Lock, the acting medical officer of health for Haldimand-Norfolk County, warned that the case is a reminder that rabies is still circulating and that anyone who has had contact with a bat should seek medical attention immediately. "We’ve had one unfortunate death from rabies which also highlights the fact that rabies is still an entity. It’s still circulating," Lock said.

Rabies: A Fatal Disease

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is spread through the saliva of infected animals, typically through bites. The virus can also be transmitted through scratches or contact with contaminated saliva.

Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. However, it can be prevented if immediate medical intervention is received. Treatment includes a series of rabies vaccines and a dose of rabies immune globulin.

How to Protect Yourself from Rabies

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from rabies:

• Avoid contact with wild animals. This includes bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and dogs.
• If you do come into contact with a wild animal, do not touch it. If you are bitten or scratched by a wild animal, seek medical attention immediately.
• Keep your pets vaccinated against rabies.
• If you find a bat in your home, do not try to remove it yourself. Contact your local animal control or public health department for help.

Bats are a Growing Concern

Bats are a particular concern because they are known to carry rabies. They are also small and their bites can be easily missed. "That's always the concern with bats because bats have small teeth, and you don't always recognize the bites," explained Prof. Scott Weese of the University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College. "We try to layer on different protections like vaccinating animals, staying away from wildlife, but ultimately its people understanding the risk and making sure they talk to public health."

While other wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, foxes and dogs can become infected, rabid bats have caused almost all human cases of rabies in Canada.

The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention

It is important to seek medical attention immediately after any contact with a bat, even if there are no signs of a bite or rabies symptoms. Rabies is a serious and potentially fatal disease, but it can be prevented if treated early. This includes a dose of rabies immune globulin and a series of rabies vaccines, which must be administrated as soon as possible after exposure. The treatments are nearly 100 per cent effective.

Public Health Officials Are Urging Vigilance

Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, previously said the illness was believed to have been acquired from a bat in northern Ontario’s Gowganda area, in the Timiskaming region. The recent death is a reminder that rabies is a serious threat and that people should take steps to protect themselves from exposure.

Protecting Yourself and Your Community

The death of this child is a tragedy, and it underscores the importance of taking steps to protect ourselves and our communities from rabies. We should all be aware of the risks of rabies, and we should take steps to prevent exposure to the virus. By understanding the dangers of rabies and taking precautions, we can help keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.

Remembering the Victim

This is a tragic reminder that even in this day and age, rabies remains a deadly threat. It’s a story that serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the need to stay alert, protect ourselves, and our communities from the threat of rabies.

It is also a reminder of the importance of seeking medical attention after any potential exposure to rabies. If you or someone you know has come into contact with a bat or another wild animal, please do not hesitate to seek medical advice and treatment. You may be saving a life.