The events took place in the Sudbury region at the beginning of September, explains BFM TV. The child woke up sharing his room with an unexpected nocturnal visitor:
a bat. Despite the absence of an apparent bite, the rabies virus managed to enter his body.
The parents, suspecting nothing, did not immediately consult a doctor. It was only after the death of their child thatthey discovered the existence of this batcarrier of the rabies virus.
Rabies: a deadly virus with insidious transmission
Rabies, transmitted by the saliva of infected animals, is
a neurological disease that attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms, which can appear several weeks after the bite, include impaired consciousness, hyperactivity, fear of water and difficulty swallowing. Unfortunately, once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal.
The disease, often compared to dogs or cats for example, was considered to be virtually eradicated in Canada. However, in recent years, cases of bats carrying the virus have increased significantly. In Ontario, the contamination rate has jumped
from less than 10% to 16%.
What about France?
Since 2001, our country has been officially free from rabies in non-flying land mammals, thanks in particular to mass vaccination campaigns for foxes. The last cases of foxtail rabies date back to 1998 (Anses). However, vigilance remains necessary, as the disease can be reintroduced by infected animals imported illegally.
Although human cases are rare, it is essential to remember that rabies is fatal if not detected and treated promptly. In the event of a bite by an animal, even a domestic animal, it is important to consult a doctor immediately. According to the Pasteur Institute, France has recorded 23 human deaths due to rabies since 1970. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 59,000 people die each year from rabies, mainly in Africa and Asia (2023 data). In these countries, dogs are the main vectors of the disease.
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