A man in his 50s is in serious condition after being infected with a rare virus called the Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) in New South Wales, Australia. This marks the first confirmed case of ABLV in the state and the fourth case overall in the country, as reported by NSW Health.
The man fell ill after being bitten by a bat several months ago. Keira Glasgow, the director of NSW Health Protection, described the situation as “very tragic.” The health authorities are currently investigating to find out if other exposures may have contributed to his condition.
ABLV is related to the rabies virus and is typically found in species like flying foxes and fruit bats. It can be transmitted to humans through bites, leading to severe illness that impacts the nervous system. Initial symptoms resemble the flu, such as fever, headache, and fatigue, but may progress to more severe effects like delirium and paralysis.
Last year, 118 individuals sought medical help after being bitten or scratched by bats. ABLV was first identified in 1996, with a total of four confirmed cases in Australia since then.
To prevent the spread of the virus, NSW Health is advising people not to handle bats, as there is no current cure for ABLV. Glasgow noted that while it is rare for humans to contract the virus, those who develop symptoms after a bat interaction face grim outcomes since effective treatments are lacking.
If someone is bitten or scratched by a bat, they should seek medical assistance immediately. According to Glasgow, it’s crucial to wash the wound thoroughly for 15 minutes with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic and seek further treatment with a rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin.
For any distressed or trapped bats, individuals are discouraged from attempting a rescue and should instead contact trained wildlife experts for help.
