Canadian boy dies of rabies after waking up with bat on face; Why even minor exposure can be fatal

In 2024, a Canadian boy from Ontario visited a family vacation cottage in Sudbury, a rural region of the country. One night, he suddenly woke up feeling something heavy on his face. The child was startled to find a bat resting directly over his nose and mouth, but quickly swatted it away. His parents also trapped the bat under a cooking pot and removed it from the cottage.

However, they did not seek medical care because the boy had no physical injuries. There were no wounds, scratches or cuts on his face or any part of the body.

However, around 19 days after the incident, he started developing many fever symptoms, including loss of appetite, numbness on one side of his face, vomiting and headache. Though they approached doctors, they misdiagnosed the condition as 'Bell's Palsy,' a common infection due to herpes and prescribed antivirals.

Unfortunately, in a few days, the boy's condition worsened, and he had to be admitted to intensive care. Just around 17 days after being admitted to the hospital, he passed away. 

Why is it news now?
The incident was reported in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) in late June, following a medical investigation and formal documentation. The child's parents also gave consent for the details to be published to raise public awareness. 

What the incident highlights
a) Bat bites can be invisible due to their teeth, which are as sharp as needles. They might not bleed or even be noticeable. 
b) If you find a bat on your body or in your room, always treat it as confirmed rabies exposure
c) For about 19 days, the virus would be in its incubation period. 

d) Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) vaccines can be effective if they are administered to a patient before the rabies symptoms start. 
e) From the time the tingling sensation and vomiting start, it is clear that the virus has reached the brain, and the disease is fatal. 
f) Ensure that your rooms and localities are bat-proof, as much as possible. Mammals can squeeze through openings like window screens, chimneys, or even roof gaps. 
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