Infectious disease physicians are warning the public after an Ontario child died from rabies following contact with a bat.
The case, detailed in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, involves an 11-year-old boy who was exposed at a northern Ontario cottage in the summer of 2024.
According to the report, the boy was awoken by a bat on his face. His parents saw no visible bites or scratches and did not seek medical care.
Nearly three weeks later, the boy developed facial tingling and numbness. His condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to admission at McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton, where he was eventually taken off life support.
"If you get symptomatic rabies infection, it is near universally fatal," said Dr. Brian Hummel, a pediatric infectious disease physician and senior author of the report. "But if you get the prevention before symptoms develop, it is near universally successful."
The rabies virus has a long incubation period. In the days after exposure, a series of vaccines and a dose of antibodies can stop the infection. However, once symptoms start, there is no treatment.
Rabies is extremely rare in humans in Canada, with only 28 cases reported since 1924. Bats are the primary carrier, and any physical contact is considered high risk due to their tiny teeth, which can cause unnoticed bites.
"Any time a bat has touched the human skin, that would be a reason to go and see your health-care provider right away," Hummel urged.
