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


September 09, 2024 Tags:

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.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Kennedy’s HHS Overhaul Puts Addiction Treatment At Risk

A major shakeup in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) could lead to the weakening—or even elimination—of....

Deadly Fungal Superbug Candida Auris Spreads Rapidly in Hospitals

A dangerous fungal superbug, Candida auris (C. auris), is rapidly spreading in hospitals and nursing homes, raising serious public health....

Researchers in Limbo as Columbia Caves to Trump’s Demands for $400M

Columbia University is facing intense scrutiny after agreeing to strict policy changes to regain $400 million in federal funding revoked....

U.S. Cuts LGBTQ Health Research Funding, Sparking Outrage

The Trump administration has abruptly canceled dozens of federal grants supporting research on LGBTQ health, drawing criticism from scientists and....

Canada Expands Dental Care Plan Ahead of Expected Election

Millions of uninsured Canadians will soon have access to affordable dental care as the federal government expands its Canadian Dental....

Diffabilities YEG Fights Stigma On World Down Syndrome Day

An Edmonton-based organization, Diffabilities YEG, hosted a special event on Friday to mark World Down Syndrome Day. The event aimed....

Bella Ramsey Opens Up About Autism Diagnosis: "It Was Liberating"

Bella Ramsey, known for their Emmy-nominated role in The Last of Us, recently revealed their autism diagnosis. In an interview....

Measles Cases Double in Alberta as Vaccination Rates Decline

Measles, once considered eradicated in Canada, is making a troubling comeback in Alberta. The number of confirmed cases has nearly....

Slushy Drinks Could Make Kids Sick—Experts Warn!

Researchers have warned that children under the age of 8 should avoid slushy ice drinks containing glycerol. This comes after....

Alberta Government Lawyers Defend Youth Gender-Affirming Care Ban In Court

Alberta's controversial transgender law returned to court on Tuesday, with government lawyers defending it as a science-based measure designed to....

Utah Becomes First U.S. State to Ban Fluoride in Public Water

Utah is making history by becoming the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water. Despite opposition from dentists....

Butter Lovers, Beware! New Study Links Butter Intake to Shorter Lifespan

Butter is a kitchen staple, loved for its creamy richness. But could your daily dollop be shortening your life? A....