04/07/2026 16:02 - Salud
According to The Guardian, medical professionals in Canada confirmed the passing of an 11-year-old boy due to rabies. The incident, categorized by specialists as exceptionally rare, occurred in 2024 during a family visit to a cabin in northern Ontario.
The child woke up to find a bat resting on his nose and mouth. Although his father captured the animal and released it, and the parents observed no bites or strange behavior in the animal, they did not seek immediate medical attention. Nineteen days later, the boy developed tingling, numbness, and swelling on the right side of his face.
Rabies is a severe viral disease affecting the central nervous system. It is generally transmitted to humans through the saliva of infected animals. In North America, bats are the primary vectors, along with skunks, raccoons, and foxes. Bites or scratches are often so small they go unnoticed, but the virus can enter through cuts or when saliva contacts the eyes, nose, or mouth.
This case highlighted the pressing need for greater public awareness. Although rabies is rare in Canada, with only 28 documented cases since 1924 and the last one in Ontario in 1967, the disease is usually fatal once symptoms appear. The boy was admitted to intensive care; while doctors considered administering antibodies directly into his brain, the family and medical team decided against it due to the invasive nature and unproven efficacy of the procedure.
This tragic event underscores a vital public health message: upon any suspicious contact with wild animals, early recognition and immediate medical attention are the only ways to prevent this lethal disease. There is hope through science and prompt action!
Alfredo S. Quiroga
