Spike in Rabies Concerns Following Death of a Child in Ontario

The recent rabies-related death of a child in the Brantford area has heightened concerns among health officials in Windsor-Essex County as they tackle a surge in bat bite incidents. According to officials from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU), there has been an unprecedented spike in animal bite investigations in 2023, with bats being a significant factor.

At the latest WECHU Board of Directors meeting, Dr. Medhi Aloosh, the medical officer of health, expressed his concerns, stating, “My message to the community is to ensure that you are not exposed to wild animals, particularly bats.” The fatal rabies case involved a child who reportedly encountered a bat while in the Timiskaming region, north of Sudbury.

Dr. Malcolm Lock from the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit outlined the unfortunate circumstances, saying, “They woke up with a bat in their room. The parents didn’t see any signs of a bite, scratches, or saliva and didn’t seek a rabies vaccine.” The child’s age has not been disclosed, but the infection was confirmed on September 6, marking a domestic human rabies case not seen since 1967 in Ontario.

The rabies diagnosis preceded Dr. Aloosh’s comments, stressing the importance of precautionary measures. “This is the first case in more than half a century,” he remarked after the September WECHU meeting, emphasizing that though the risk remains low due to robust post-exposure prophylaxis programs, individuals should promptly contact the health unit or healthcare provider if exposed.

In the current year, Windsor-Essex health authorities have administered 48 rabies post-exposure prophylaxis treatments, three involving bat exposures, with investigations into 696 animal bites, including eight from bats. Last year’s records reflect 60 treatments issued, with 16 relating to bats, and 1,075 animal bites investigated, 34 due to bats.

Dr. Aloosh underscored the necessity for pet vaccinations and educating children about maintaining a safe distance from wild animals. “There have been instances where kids were playing with bats – even dead bats,” he pointed out, suggesting a need for community awareness and education.