Canadian Boy Dies of Rabies After Waking to Find Bat on His Face Doctors in Canada have confirmed that an 11-year-old boy died from rabies after waking to find a bat resting on his face while visiting a cottage in Ontario. The case, described as “exceedingly rare,” underscores the importance of public awareness about rabies transmission and the critical need for prompt medical intervention. The child’s death occurred 19 days after the incident, highlighting the delayed onset of symptoms and the lack of effective treatment once the virus progresses. The boy was in northern Ontario with his family in 2024 when he awoke to discover a bat on his nose and mouth. He swatted the animal away, and his father captured it in a pot before releasing it outside. Neither parent noticed any visible injuries or unusual behavior from the bat, leading them to dismiss the risk of rabies. They did not seek medical attention at the time, believing the encounter posed no threat. Rabies is exceptionally rare in Canada, with only 28 documented cases since 1924. The last confirmed case in Ontario dates back to 1967, according to the report published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. However, experts emphasize that rabid bats can exhibit atypical behavior, such as appearing during the day, resting on the ground, or being easily approached. Despite these signs, the absence of such behaviors does not rule out rabies. The virus is primarily transmitted through bats, though skunks, raccoons, and foxes also carry it in North America. Transmission often occurs via bites or scratches, which can be so minor they go unnoticed. Additionally, the virus can enter the body through contact with bat saliva in open wounds, the eyes, nose, or mouth.#canada #ontario #canadian_medical_association_journal #rabies #bat
