A man in his 50s from New South Wales (NSW) has died following confirmed infection of the Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV). That would be the state’s first confirmed case of this rare but dangerous disease. The man who later died had spent time in critical condition in a Pueblo hospital before succumbing to the virus. In fact, a few months before his death, he was bitten on the hand by an infected bat. This accident ultimately forced him to get treatment for the old injury.
NSW Health Protection director, Keira Glasgow, today confirmed that the case had ended sadly. She described how much ABLV resembles the rabies virus. It can jump to humans via saliva, particularly if a bat makes a direct bite or scratch to a human. The virus starts off like the flu, with symptoms such as a severe headache, fever, and fatigue. Yet, it can quickly develop into more serious complications, including paralysis and delirium.
“While it is extremely rare to see a case of Australian bat lyssavirus, there is no effective treatment for it,” – NSW Health spokesperson
In fact, between 1996 and today, only four Australians are known to have died from ABLV. Of the three fatalities, two were women and an eight-year-old boy from Queensland died from his injuries. They got the virus after getting bit or scratched by bats that were compromised. It is important for the public to understand that any bat in Australia could be carrying ABLV and should never be handled.
Glasgow emphasized the need for urgent action in the event that someone is bitten or scratched by a bat. She recommended that people wash the bite immediately for 15 minutes with soap and water. Then they should administer antiseptic with anti-viral properties and get medical help for further treatment that includes rabies immunoglobulin and rabies vaccine.
“You will need to wash the wound thoroughly for 15 minutes right away with soap and water and apply an antiseptic with anti-virus action, such as betadine, and allow it to dry,” – Keira Glasgow
Even though ABLV transmission to humans is very uncommon, once clinical signs develop, prognosis is grave. In 2024, the department of health in NSW stated that 118 people required medical evaluations. Each of them had previously been bitten or scratched by bats. This case is unique as it was the first confirmed case of ABLV in NSW.
“We know 118 people required medical assessment after being bitten or scratched by bats in 2024, but this is the first confirmed case of the virus in NSW, and the fourth case in Australia,” – Keira Glasgow
NSW Health has been reminding the community not to touch or handle bats. They focus on making the point that any bat might be a lyssavirus carrier, advising residents and visitors to exercise caution with bats in the area.
“NSW Health reminds the community to avoid touching or handling bats, as any bat in Australia could carry lyssavirus,” – NSW Health
Additional investigations are still in the process of identifying whether other exposures or factors could have played a role in the man’s illness. This tragic situation serves as a reminder of the risks involved in wildlife viewing and photography. It further emphasizes the need to educate the public about ABLV.
