By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Ontario’s first confirmed case of human rabies since 1967 has pushed the issue to the forefront for public health units around the province.
Reported in early September by the Brant County Health Unit, a child was reportedly bitten by a bat near Temiskaming in Northern Ontario. The youngster did not receive the vaccine, leading to their hospitalization and death. Limited information about the case has been released in order to protect the family’s privacy.
Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, Chatham-Kent’s acting medical officer of health, said immediate treatment of suspected contact with an infected animal – particularly bats – is critical.
“While rabies can be contracted from other mammals, bats are the most common carriers of this fatal virus in our region,” the doctor said. “If you are bitten by a bat, or have had any direct contact with one, it is essential to see your family physician or visit the emergency room and contact public health without delay. Timely intervention is crucial, as rabies is preventable when appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis is administered properly.”
According to Nesathurai, CK Public Health deals with about 350 animal bites per year – approximately one per day – making exposure to rabies an ongoing concern.
Thanks to a vaccine developed by Louis Pasteur more than 100 years ago, Nesathurai said death from rabies is rare in North America, but the disease kills more than 60,000 people per year around the world. More than half of those are under age 50.
However, the vaccine can save people from certain death, he said, because of the mechanism of post-exposure prophylaxis halting the virus from making its way to the brain.
“Today no one has to die of rabies,” Nesathurai stressed. “Rabies exposures are entirely manageable.”
The rabies vaccine is a series of injections which cost about $1,500 per person. Nesathurai said the rate of exposure to the general population is small but some animal handlers, such as veterinarians, get the vaccine on a regular basis.
The doctor wants the public to call the health service if they have concerns about rabies at all.
“We’re happy to take the call,” he said. “Our team will work with members of the community to find the best plan forward. Vaccines are one of the most spectacular achievements in scientific medicine, a modern miracle that’s readily available to every person in Chatham-Kent.”
