A tragic case has emerged in New South Wales, where a man in his 50s has succumbed to the first documented instance of Australian bat lyssavirus in the state. NSW Health has confirmed that he passed away months after being bitten by a bat. This incident marks only the fourth confirmed case of this virus across Australia.
Health authorities caution that while cases of Australian bat lyssavirus are extremely rare, there is currently no effective treatment available. A spokesperson from NSW Health highlighted the importance of avoiding interaction with bats, as any bat could potentially be a carrier of the virus. The virus can be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches where saliva enters the body. Only trained and vaccinated wildlife handlers should attempt to handle bats.
Anyone who experiences a bat bite or scratch is strongly advised to seek immediate medical attention. The Australian bat lyssavirus shares similarities with the rabies virus, which is known for its severity. It has been identified in various bat species, including flying foxes, fruit bats, and microbats that feed on insects.
To manage the infection, those who contract the virus require rabies immunoglobulin and rabies vaccinations. Keira Glasgow, Director of Health Protection, described the situation as “very tragic,” noting that the man had sought treatment following the bat bite. An investigation is currently underway to determine if any additional factors contributed to his illness.