A tragic incident in the Brantford, Ontario area has resulted in the death of a child due to rabies, as confirmed by local health authorities. Dr. Malcolm Lock, a medical officer of health with the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit, reported during a board meeting that the child was exposed to the rabies virus in the Timiskaming region, located just north of Sudbury.
The unsettling discovery was made when the child woke up to find a bat in their room. The child’s parents conducted a preliminary check and, not seeing any obvious signs of a bite or scratches, chose not to seek immediate medical attention for a rabies vaccine. Tragically, the child was hospitalized last month due to rabies complications, but further details, including the child’s age, have not been disclosed.
This incident marks the first domestically acquired case of human rabies in Ontario since 1967, as well as the first recorded case involving a Brantford-Brant resident. Dr. Lock emphasized the seriousness of rabies, which can lead to severe damage to the brain and spinal cord. He urged the community to recognize that rabies is still a significant public health concern, as this year’s tests show that 16 percent of bats in the Haldimand-Norfolk area have tested positive for the virus, a notable increase compared to previous years.
“It’s extremely important anyone who has a form of exposure [to bats] seeks medical attention,” Dr. Lock stated. He highlighted that treatment should be sought immediately after any contact with bats, even if no bites or rabies symptoms are visible. The recommended treatment includes a dose of rabies immune globulin and a series of rabies vaccines, which are nearly 100 percent effective if administered promptly.
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Historically, since reporting began in 1924, Canada has recorded 26 cases of rabies, all of which were fatal. While other wild animals, such as raccoons and skunks, can carry the virus, rabid bats are responsible for nearly all human rabies cases in Canada.
For further details about rabies and public health recommendations, visit Radio Canada.