A child in Ontario, Canada, tragically lost their life to rabies, marking the first domestic case of the deadly disease in the province since 1967. The child was reportedly exposed to a bat in their bedroom, but no immediate signs of a bite, scratch, or saliva were detected, and medical attention for a potential rabies vaccine was not sought.
Dr. Malcolm Lock, the chief medical officer from Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit, confirmed the incident. The child was admitted to the hospital in early September following the exposure. Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kieran Moore, later verified the case, stating, “Brant County Health Unit has received laboratory confirmation of a human case of rabies in a resident of Brantford-Brant.”
In line with patient confidentiality protocols, the child’s age and gender have not been disclosed. The incident underscores the importance of seeking immediate medical attention when potential exposure to rabies occurs, even if no obvious signs of a bite or scratch are present.
Rabies is a disease typically found in bats, raccoons, foxes, skunks, and some household pets. It is nearly 100 percent fatal in both animals and humans if not promptly treated after symptoms appear. The disease is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually via a bite or scratch.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of wildlife encounters, particularly with species known to carry rabies. Health officials urge the public to avoid direct contact with wild animals and to seek immediate medical attention if potential exposure to rabies is suspected.