A recently published case report describes the fatal rabies infection of an immunocompetent 11-year-old boy in Ontario after a bat briefly contacted his face while he was sleeping at a cottage in Ontario in 2024. No visible bite marks were noted, and post-exposure prophylaxis was not sought.
Neurological symptoms began 19 days after exposure. Rabies was confirmed by PCR four days after hospitalization, but he died 36 days after the bat exposure (17 days after hospital admission despite intensive care).
Any direct human contact with a bat is an indication for rabies postexposure prophylaxis (including finding a bat in the sleeping room in the morning)! In case of exposure, seek immediately medical attention.