1st human case of rabies in Ontario since 1967 confirmed in Brantford-Brant resident

A resident of Brantford-Brant is currently hospitalized with rabies — the first case in Brantford-Brant ever and the first in Ontario since 1967.

In a release on Friday, the Brant County Health Unit said the suspected exposure was from a bat in the Gowanda area of the Timiskaming region just north of Sudbury.

Rabies is a virus that affects the brain and spinal cord.

“It is typically spread to humans through direct contact with saliva or mucous of an infected animal, such as through a bite or scratch. Bats, skunks, foxes, and raccoons are the most common animals to have rabies in Canada. Even tiny bites or scratches, which can be difficult to see, can transmit the virus,” the release said.

Rabies cases in humans are so rare, there have only been 26 cases in Canada since 1924, the health unit said.

Dr. Rebecca Comley, Brant County’s medical officer of health, offered her sympathy to the patient.

“Our heartfelt thoughts are with this individual and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” she said in the release.

Though there has never been a documented case of human-to-human transmission, the health unit is assessing the patient’s family members and close contacts as a precaution.

Brant County Health Unit offered up these tips to keep yourself and your pets safe:

• Under law, people must keep their pets and livestock rabies vaccinations up to date.
• Do not touch unfamiliar animals.
• Keep pets away from wildlife.
• Supervise children when they are around animals.
• Don’t let pets roam free outdoors.
• Feed pets inside as food outdoors can attract unwanted animals.

If anyone comes into direct contact with a bat or an animal known to carry rabies and if that animal bites or scratches a person, they are warned to immediately wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention.