there was a bat in his room

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The events took place in the Canadian province of Ontario. A child, whose age was not specified by health authorities, died of rabies, as indicated in the BBC.

“They woke up to a bat in their room,” said Dr. Malcolm Lock, who made the claims. He also added that the parents saw no signs of a bite or scratch and therefore did not vaccinate the child against rabies.

First case in 57 years

This is the first case of human rabies contracted in the country in Ontario since 1967. The young Canadian was indeed transported to hospital after the incident, which occurred in September. But the care was not enough.

As a reminder, rabies can be effectively prevented by vaccination, but is always fatal once the first signs of the disease are declared, insists the French foundation which is dedicated to the study of biology, microorganisms, diseases and vaccines.

The rabies virus (genus Lyssavirus) is present in the saliva of infected animals (dogs, cats, wild mammals, etc.). Transmission occurs through direct contact with the saliva of an animal contaminated by biting, scratching or even licking the skin.

According to Dr. Lock, the proportion of bats suffering from rabies in southern Ontario, where the events took place, has increased from 10 to 16% in recent years. Also, he strongly insisted on the importance of vaccination. Beyond that, the doctor insists: “It is extremely important that anyone who has been exposed to any form [de maladie des chauves-souris] consult a doctor »

According to the BBCsince reporting began in 1924, 28 cases of rabies have been recorded in six provinces, all fatal. Almost all the result of exposure to bats.

One died in March, in France

The health agency said almost all human cases of rabies in Canada are the result of exposure to bats or exposure to rabies while visiting another country.

In France, a 16-year-old man died of rabies in March 2024, in Guyana. A first in 16 years. However, in metropolitan France, no cases have been reported since 1924.

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