A Brantford-Brant resident is in the hospital with rabies, marking the first case in the area and the first in Ontario since 1967. CBC
Ontario has confirmed its first case of rabies in a human since 1967. A resident of Brantford-Brant is currently hospitalized with the virus, which is believed to have been contracted from a bat in the Timiskaming region, located just north of Sudbury.
Dr. Kieran Moore, the Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario, stated that the infection likely occurred through "direct contact" with a bat. To protect the patient’s privacy, no further details about the individual have been shared.
Brant County’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Rebecca Comley, expressed her sympathy for the affected person and their family. This is the first confirmed rabies case in a Brantford-Brant resident, according to the health unit.
Bats are known carriers of rabies throughout Ontario. The health unit has advised that those who have had direct physical contact with a bat—or any animal that could carry rabies—should seek immediate medical attention. Even if there are no visible bites or scratches, exposure to saliva or other infectious materials from a rabid animal warrants a visit to a healthcare provider.
Dr. Moore emphasized the importance of prompt medical care if rabies exposure is suspected. "Post-exposure medical care includes washing the area with soap and water immediately, receiving a dose of rabies immune globulin, and starting a series of rabies vaccines," he said. When administered quickly after exposure, this treatment is almost always effective in preventing the disease.
Rabies in humans is exceedingly rare in Canada, with only 26 cases reported since 1924. The virus primarily affects the brain and spinal cord and is not known to be transmitted from human to human.
In light of this case, the health unit has provided safety tips to help prevent rabies. It is crucial to keep pets and livestock up-to-date on rabies vaccinations, avoid contact with unfamiliar animals, and supervise children around animals. Pets should not be allowed to roam freely outdoors, and feeding them inside can help deter wildlife from approaching.
If anyone is bitten or scratched by an animal suspected of carrying rabies, they should immediately wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical help.
