Rare case of rabies claims life of Vancouver Island man

A rare case of viral rabies infection claimed the life of one Vancouver Island resident.

The adult male was in contact with a bat in mid-May 2019 and developed symptoms compatible with rabies six weeks later.

While the exposure in this case was on Vancouver Island, bats in all areas of B.C. are known to carry rabies. To ensure privacy for the family, no further information on the individual will be released, the province said.

Family members, close community contacts and health-care workers who cared for the man are also being assessed and given post-exposure rabies preventive measures, if needed.

The most-recent case of human rabies in B.C. was in 2003. Overall, in Canada, there have been only 24 known cases since the 1920s. The most-recent cases in Canada were in Ontario in 2012 and Alberta in 2007.

If anyone in B.C. comes in contact with a bat (even if there is no obvious bite or scratch), wash the area with soap and water, then consult a health-care provider or local public health department immediately who can assess the risk of rabies and provide a vaccine to prevent infection.

Bats are the only known carriers of the rabies virus in the province. About 13 per cent of bats tested in B.C. are positive for rabies. This presents an ongoing risk for people and for companion animals, such as cats and dogs. It is important to ensure pets’ rabies vaccinations are up to date. If you believe your pet has had contact with a bat, consult your veterinarian, the province advises.