Man Dies After Rare Bat Bite in Australia
A man in his 50s from northern New South Wales has tragically died after contracting a rare and deadly virus called Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV). This marks the first ever fatal case of the disease in the state and only the fourth case ever reported in Australia.
How Did This Happen?
According to NSW Health, the man had been bitten by a bat several months earlier and had received medical treatment at the time. However, despite the early intervention, he recently developed symptoms and passed away. Health officials are now investigating whether any additional factors contributed to the infection.
What Is Australian Bat Lyssavirus?
Australian bat lyssavirus is closely related to the rabies virus and affects the central nervous system. It is spread through bites or scratches from infected bats, including flying foxes, fruit bats, and microbats.
Once symptoms of the virus appear, there is no known cure, and the disease is almost always fatal.
Extremely Rare but Always Serious
Since the virus was first discovered in 1996 in northern New South Wales, only four human cases have ever been reported across the country. Despite thousands of people potentially coming into contact with bats over the years, these cases remain extremely rare.
Professor Tim Mahony, a veterinary biology expert at the University of Queensland, noted that such infections typically result from a “very rare convergence of different factors.”
No Human-to-Human Transmission
The good news is that ABLV does not spread from person to person. The only known way to get infected is through direct contact with an infected bat’s bite or scratch.
Health Officials Urge: Do Not Handle Bats
In response to the incident, public health officials are strongly urging the public to avoid all contact with bats. Trish Paterson, a bat care specialist from the Australian Bat Clinic, emphasized that carers are vaccinated, but the general public is at risk if exposed.
“If you don’t touch bats, you can’t get bitten or scratched. There’s no other way to get lyssavirus,” she said.
Recognizing the Symptoms
According to the Australian Centre for Disease Control, symptoms of Australian bat lyssavirus are similar to those of rabies. The illness usually begins with mild, flu-like symptoms, such as:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Pain or weakness at the site of the bite or scratch
- Loss of appetite
- Anxiety
These early signs may last a few days to several weeks. Unfortunately, the disease then progresses quickly, leading to:
- Paralysis
- Confusion or delirium
- Seizures
Once symptoms appear, death usually occurs within 1 to 2 weeks.
Conclusion
While Australian bat lyssavirus is extremely rare, it is deadly once symptoms begin. The safest way to prevent infection is to never touch or handle bats. If bitten or scratched, seek immediate medical attention, even if the wound seems minor.
NSW Health continues to monitor the situation and advises the public to remain alert and informed.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
