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

Ontario has recorded its first domestically acquired case of human rabies since 1967.

The Brant County Health Unit said Friday that a resident of Brantford-Brant is currently hospitalized with the virus.The unit added that the suspected exposure was from a bat in the Gowganda area of the Timiskaming region just northof Sudbury.

Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario,said in a statement on Friday thatofficials believe the person became infected after"direct contact" with a bat in Ontario. No details about the person will be released to protect privacy, he said.

Brant County Medical Officer of Health Dr. Rebecca Comley 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.

Comley said there has never before been a confirmed case of rabies in a Brantford-Brant resident.

Bats in all areas of Ontario are known to carry rabies, the unit said in the release.

Close contacts being assessed, medical officer says

Moore said close contacts of the person, including family members and health care providers, are being assessed and offeredpost-exposure prophylaxisas a precaution.

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

"If anyone in Ontario has direct physical contact with a bat, even if there is no visible bite or scratch, or if they have been bitten or exposed to saliva or infectious tissues from another animal species, they should seek immediate medical attention," Moore said.

"The health care provider, in consultation with the local public health unit, will assess the risk of rabies and may offer vaccines to prevent infection."

Moore said immediate medical care after suspected rabies exposure is critical.

"Post-exposure medical care includes washing the area with soap and water as soon as possible, a dose of rabies immune globulin and a series of rabies vaccines which must be administered as soon as possible after exposure. This treatment is nearly 100 per cent effective when administered promptly."

According to the health unit, rabies cases in humans are so rare, there have only been 26 cases in Canada since 1924. It said there has never been a documented case of human-to-human transmission.

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 andif thatanimal bites or scratches a person, they are warned to immediately wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention.