BRANT, Ont. — Ontario is reporting the primary human case of rabies contracted within the province in additional than half a century. Chief Medical Officer of Well being Dr.
BRANT, Ont. — Ontario is reporting the primary human case of rabies contracted within the province in additional than half a century.
Chief Medical Officer of Well being Dr. Kieran Moore says officers imagine the individual caught the virus after having direct contact with a bat in Ontario.
The Brant County Well being Unit says the individual is in hospital after being uncovered within the Timiskaming area within the northern a part of the province.
The well being unit says bats throughout Ontario have examined constructive for rabies, however famous that the virus may be very uncommon in folks and no person else has caught rabies within the province since 1967.
The virus causes irritation of the spinal wire and mind, and may be very severe.
Officers say there has by no means been a documented case of human-to-human rabies unfold, however the affected person’s household is being monitored for signs and supplied remedy nonetheless.
Public Well being Ontario says rabies is widespread in bats, so anybody who has come into contact with one ought to search quick remedy, even when they do not have a visual chunk or scratch.
“Speedy medical care following suspected rabies exposures is vital,” Moore stated in a written assertion Friday.
Those that are bitten or scratched by different animals recognized to hold rabies, together with raccoons, foxes and skunks, must also see a physician.
From there, the health-care supplier will seek the advice of with native public well being officers to evaluate the chance of rabies.
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Sept. 6, 2024.
The Canadian Press
