An 11-year-old boy from Ontario, Canada, has died from rabies after an encounter with a bat that landed on his face while he was sleeping. The child did not have visible wounds, leading the family to forgo immediate medical intervention.
How the Infection Progressed
The incident occurred when a bat entered the family’s summer home and made contact with the child. Because the encounter appeared harmless and resulted in no obvious bite marks or scratches, the family did not seek medical attention at the time.
Approximately three weeks later, the boy began experiencing symptoms, including facial numbness, tingling, fever, confusion, and hallucinations. He was admitted to the McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton, where medical teams confirmed a diagnosis of rabies. Despite intensive medical efforts, the infection proved fatal.
Why Bat Contact Requires Immediate Action
Understanding Rabies Risk in Canada
- Because their bites may not be felt or seen, health authorities advise that if a bat is found in a room with a sleeping person, or near an unattended child, the individual should be evaluated by a healthcare professional immediately.
Next Steps for Public Health
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