HEALTH

Tragic Death: Child Exposed to Bat Dies from Rabies in Canada

Brantford-Brant, Ontario, Canada, Brantford,Mon Oct 07 2024
In a sad turn of events, a child in Ontario, Canada has passed away due to rabies. Health officials reported that the child was exposed to the virus after waking up with a bat in their room. The parents didn't notice any bites or scratches and unfortunately, didn't get the rabies vaccine right away. This is the first known case of human rabies acquired in Ontario since 1967. Rabies is a serious viral infection that affects the nervous system. It spreads through contact with an infected animal's saliva, usually from bites or scratches. Bats are common carriers, and their tiny teeth can make injuries hard to spot. Without prompt treatment before symptoms show, rabies is almost always fatal in both humans and animals. If you think you've been bitten by an animal that might have rabies, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for 15 minutes, then get medical help immediately. In Canada, there have been 28 known human cases of rabies since 1924, all of which were fatal.

questions

    Is there a bat whisperer who can calm down infected bats before they bite anyone?
    What are the most common ways people get exposed to rabies?
    What more can be done to educate the public about the dangers and symptoms of rabies?

actions