An 11-year-old boy from Northern Ontario, Canada, died in 2024 after contracting rabies, despite showing no initial signs of a bite or scratch, according to a study published Monday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

The child, whose identity has not been disclosed, reportedly woke one night to find a bat resting on his nose and mouth. Although no visible injuries were detected at the time, his parents sought medical help nearly three weeks later when he experienced facial numbness and persistent vomiting.

He was initially examined at a local urgent care facility, where he received an antiviral medication. However, his condition deteriorated rapidly, prompting more intensive medical intervention. After over two weeks of aggressive treatment, the boy’s condition worsened to the point that he was placed on life support before ultimately succumbing to the disease.

Rabies, a viral infection that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, is typically transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. In this case, the absence of visible wounds complicated the diagnosis and delayed treatment. The case highlights the difficulty of recognizing potential rabies exposure when contact occurs without evident injury and underscores the need for heightened awareness of bat-related risks, especially in areas where rabies remains a public health concern.

Health officials emphasize that any direct contact with bats or other wildlife should prompt immediate medical evaluation and consideration of post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent the onset of rabies symptoms.