Rabies in Ontario: The silent threat of bat exposure

The case of rabies in Brantford

Dr. Malcolm Lock, a medical officer at the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit, shared details of the case during a health board meeting. The child, whose age has not been released, was exposed to rabies while staying in the Timiskaming region, located just north of Sudbury. According to Lock, the child’s family found a bat in their room. However, after examining the child and finding no visible signs of a bite, scratch, or contact with bat saliva, they decided against seeking rabies vaccination. Tragically, this decision proved fatal. The child was hospitalized last month but did not survive the rabies infection.

This case marks the first recorded human rabies infection in a Brantford-Brant resident and serves as a sobering reminder of the deadly potential of the virus. Lock emphasized that despite advances in rabies treatments, the virus is still active and particularly dangerous in bat populations. In fact, data from the Haldimand-Norfolk area indicate that 16% of bats tested positive for rabies this year, a sharp increase from previous years when the rate was below 10%.

The silent nature of bat bites

One of the most concerning aspects of rabies exposure through bats is the difficulty in detecting a bite. Bats have small, sharp teeth, making their bites easily overlooked, especially when there are no clear signs of injury or pain. Prof. Scott Weese of the University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College reiterated the seriousness of this issue, noting that any interaction with a bat should be treated as a potential rabies exposure. Weese urged people to avoid all contact with bats, as even seemingly harmless encounters can carry a significant risk of infection.

Rabies is a rare disease in Canada, with only 26 reported cases since 1924, according to federal data. However, all of these cases have been fatal, reinforcing the critical importance of prompt medical treatment after exposure. While various wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes can contract rabies, the majority of human rabies cases in Canada have been linked to bats.

Treatment and prevention

Immediate treatment following exposure to rabies is vital, especially when bats are involved. As Dr. Lock pointed out, treatment should be sought even in the absence of visible symptoms or signs of a bite. The treatment regimen includes administering rabies immune globulin and a series of rabies vaccines. These treatments are nearly 100% effective when given promptly, but delays in treatment can lead to fatal outcomes, as demonstrated by the Brantford case.

The rabies vaccine series is designed to neutralize the virus before it can spread to the nervous system. Once symptoms of rabies appear, the disease is almost always fatal, which is why early intervention is so critical. Lock stressed that anyone who has come into contact with a bat, or any wild mammal for that matter, should seek medical advice immediately. Public health departments are equipped to provide guidance on appropriate actions and the need for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

The rise of rabies in Ontario's bat population

The rise in rabies cases among bats in the Haldimand-Norfolk area is concerning. This year’s increase in the percentage of rabies-positive bats highlights the ongoing circulation of the virus in wildlife populations. Lock indicated that this trend underscores the need for continued vigilance in monitoring and controlling rabies outbreaks in both human and animal populations.

Since rabies is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, bites, scratches, or any form of saliva contact pose a high risk. Despite its rarity in Canada, the virus remains a serious public health threat. The federal government’s data shows that all 26 cases of rabies reported in Canada have resulted in death, reflecting the gravity of delayed or inadequate response to exposure.

The death of a child from rabies in Ontario serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by rabies, particularly in relation to bats. While rabies infections in humans are rare, they are almost always fatal if not treated immediately. The key to preventing fatalities lies in prompt medical intervention following any potential exposure to the virus. As cases of rabies in bats continue to rise in certain regions, public health officials urge the public to remain cautious, seek medical advice after any exposure, and ensure timely treatment to avoid the deadly consequences of this preventable disease.

source: CBC