What we know about the rare bat virus that has claimed a fourth life
Share and Follow

Australia has recorded its fourth death of the bat lyssavirus — a very rare and fatal virus that can lay dormant for years.

It is the fourth case in Australia and the first in New South Wales. Here’s everything we know about the virus.

A man from northern New South Wales had died several months after being hospitalised with a bite.  (Getty)

What is Australian bat lyssavirus?

Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) is a very rare virus that circulates in bats and is closely related to rabies.

It can spread to humans if they are bitten or scratched, or if bat saliva comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth or any broken skin.

“To infect a human, the virus needs to pass from the bat’s saliva into a wound in the skin,” University of Sydney’s wildlife disease ecologist Dr Alison Peel said.

There is no risk if you live or walk near a bat roosting area. 

ABLV was first identified in 1996 and there has only been four cases since; three in Queensland and one in New South Wales.

It has not been found in bats outside of Australia but overseas bats can carry other forms of lyssaviruses, including rabies.

Do all Australian bats carry lyssavirus?

Any bat in Australia, including flying foxes, fruit bats and insect-eating ​microbats, can potentially carry ABLV.

But, according to Peel, the number of bats infected by the virus is typically very low. 

“Studies have looked for the virus in thousands of healthy bats and failed to find it,” she said.

Any bat in Australia can potentially carry ABLV. (Getty)

How to tell if a bat has lyssavirus?

It is hard to tell whether a bat is carrying the virus, as they do not appear or behave any differently than an uninfected bat.

“Like humans and other animals, infected bats may become sick and die, however, some bats may appear unaffected,” Peel said.

“So, you can’t always tell just by looking at a bat whether it’s infected or not.”

What are the symptoms of Australian bat lyssavirus? 

Symptoms are similar to those caused by rabies and can start off like the flu.

This may include a headache, fever and fatigue.

The illness can rapidly progress to paralysis, delirium, seizures and death typically within one to two weeks.

It is also hard to tell when you contracted the virus as symptoms can start anytime from a few days to several years after infection. 

Only trained, protected and vaccinated wildlife handlers should be interacting with bats. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

How soon after a bat bite do you need treatment?

ABLV can be fatal if it is not treated immediately.

Health Direct advises anyone who is scratched or bitten by a bat to wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, apply an antiseptic with an anti-virus action and get medical help as soon as possible.

ABLV does not have its own vaccine but can be treated with a combination of rabies immunoglobulin and rabies vaccinations.

There is no treatment for the virus once symptoms have started.

“It is incredibly rare for the virus to transmit to humans, but once symptoms of lyssavirus start in people who are scratched or bitten by an infected bat, sadly there is no effective treatment,” NSW Health Director in Health Protection Keira Glasgow said.

How do you prevent Australian bat lyssavirus? 

The simple answer is to avoid touching any bats.

Only trained, protected and vaccinated wildlife handlers should be interacting with bats.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Donald Trump celebrates victory as his tax and spending plan is approved by US Congress

Key Points Donald Trump’s signature tax and spending bill has passed the…
A bold bid has been launched to bring US President Donald Trump to Queensland for next year's Quad leaders summit.

The Premier’s ambitious attempt to invite Donald Trump to an Australian state

A bold bid has been launched to bring US President Donald Trump…
The brawl allegedly broke out between a group of men at 5pm yesterday inside the Kmart in Mount Druitt Westfields.

Third person arrested in connection to reported stabbing incident outside Sydney Kmart

Two men, aged 17 and 22, were allegedly stabbed in an altercation…

Why do we continue to instinctively react when a colleague sheds tears in the workplace?

This week, UK chancellor Rachel Reeves made headlines across the world —…

“Russia Launches Record-Breaking Drone Attack on Ukraine Following Putin and Trump Talk”

Russia has pummelled Kyiv with the largest drone attack of the war,…

Hamas reacts positively to ceasefire proposal for Gaza

Hamas says it has responded in “a positive spirit” to a United…
US dollars.

The most essential currency in the world is unexpectedly losing value

The Australian dollar is enjoying a resurgence as of late, but it’s…
Kyiv, Ukraine

Kyiv faces largest missile and drone attack since the start of the war

Waves of drone and missile attacks targeted Kyiv overnight into Friday in…