The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has reported a concerning case involving a human suspected of being bitten by a bat infected with rabies in Brantford, Ontario. This marks the first suspected human rabies exposure incident of the year in the Brantford-Brant area.

The unfortunate bat, discovered in Brantford, has tested positive for the rabies virus and has since died. Thankfully, the person believed to have been bitten is currently asymptomatic and is undergoing Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, which includes rigorous wound washing and a series of vaccines alongside human rabies immune globulin.

Dr. Rebecca Comley, Medical Officer of Health, emphasized the seriousness of rabies in humans, stating, “Rabies, though rare, is a serious virus in humans. If you have direct contact with any animal known to carry rabies, you should seek immediate medical attention.” While the risk of encountering rabid animals in the community remains low, the BCHU warns that rabies is present in both Brantford-Brant and across Ontario.

A Historical Perspective on Rabies

Earlier this month, the BCHU also revealed Ontario's first domestic human rabies case since 1967. The individual in this case was thought to have been exposed while traveling in the Gowganda area of Timiskaming, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with this dangerous virus.

Rabies is a viral infection known for causing severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. It is typically transmitted to humans through bites or scratches from infected animals, with bats, skunks, foxes, and raccoons being the most common carriers in Canada.

Protect Yourself: Essential Tips to Prevent Rabies Exposure

To safeguard against rabies, the BCHU recommends several practices:

1. Avoid touching, approaching, or feeding wild or stray animals, no matter how healthy they appear.

2. Keep pets and livestock vaccinated against rabies and ensure their vaccinations are current.

3. If a bat is found in your home, don’t attempt to handle it; instead, contact Animal Services at 311.

4. Steer clear of any animal exhibiting unusual behavior, wounds, or sickness.

The rabies vaccine is highly effective and can prevent illness if administered before symptom onset, which is crucial as rabies only becomes contagious once symptoms appear.

Recognizing symptoms of rabies in animals is vital. Signs may include aggressive biting, excessive drooling, and bizarre behavior such as acting overly aggressive or excessively lethargic.

If you or someone you know is bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, it’s imperative to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately. Your health could depend on it!

Stay safe, stay aware, and don’t let rabies catch you off guard!