Boy Dies of Rabies After Bat Encounter, Ignorance Cited
An 11-year-old Canadian boy succumbed to rabies after a bat landed on his face while he slept. Despite no visible injuries and the bat not appearing to behave erratically, his family initially delayed seeking medical attention. However, 19 days later, the boy developed symptoms including facial numbness, swelling, and confusion, eventually leading to a diagnosis of rabies. This tragic case underscores the critical importance of seeking immediate medical evaluation after any direct contact with a bat, as rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms manifest.
John Q. Hosedrinker