A surprising event occurred during a school bus ride in Drumheller when a bat was discovered onboard. Following the incident, at least three students who had contact with the bat are undergoing treatment for potential rabies exposure, as reported by two parents to CBC News.
The transportation department of Golden Hills School Division informed parents via email that a bat emerged from its hiding place on the bus and flew around while the vehicle was in motion. As a precautionary measure, Alberta Health Services will contact the families of students present on the bus during the bat’s appearance.
Alberta Primary and Preventative Health Services spokesperson, Tom McMillan, stated that immediate action was taken upon the report of the incident on May 13. The bus driver and students potentially exposed to the bat were evaluated, with a few receiving treatment. Fortunately, there have been no reports of severe illness or adverse reactions among the affected students so far.
Although it is unclear how many students are receiving treatment for rabies exposure, the transportation department mentioned that the bat eventually flew out of an open window. University of Calgary neuroscientist and rabies expert, Alan Jackson, emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention after any bat contact, as rabies post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended.
According to the Alberta government, over 4,000 individuals in Alberta have undergone rabies post-exposure prophylaxis between 2016 and 2025. Despite rabies not being detected initially, continuous treatment is advised in such cases.
Regrettably, Alberta has recorded two fatal human rabies cases in the past, occurring in 1985 and 2007. All 28 rabies cases reported in Canada have been fatal, primarily due to exposure to bats or incidents outside the country. Jackson stressed the severity of rabies symptoms in humans, emphasizing the necessity of seeking medical assistance promptly.
Rabies cases in animals have been prevalent in Alberta, with 1,019 reported cases from 1927 to 2025. The majority of these cases involve bats and skunks. It is crucial for individuals with potential rabies exposure to consult healthcare professionals to prevent the disease from becoming fatal.
