NSW Man Dies In State’s First Case Of Bat Lyssavirus
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A man from northern NSW has died in what is the state’s first case of Australia bat lyssavirus, a disease closely related to rabies.
A spokesperson from NSW Health confirmed that a man, aged in his 50’s, died in hospital on Thursday. He had been in critical condition on Wednesday.
“We express our sincere condolences to the man’s family and friends for their tragic loss,” they said.
The man’s death comes after receiving treatment following a bat bite months ago. An investigation is in progress to establish if other factors or exposures contributed to the infection.
Lyssavirus is transmitted from bats to humans when bat saliva containing the virus is enters the body through a bite or scratch. It has been found in multiple species of flying foxes, fruit bats, and microbats.
“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,” said Keira Glasgow, a director in health protection at NSW Health on Wednesday.
“Sadly, there is no effective treatment.”
Fourth recorded death in almost 30 years
The death is only the fourth recorded case of bat lyssavirus in humans in Australia since 1996. All those who contracted the disease have died.
118 people required medical assessment after experiencing a scratch or bite in 2024.
NSW health is reminding the public to assume any bat could be carrying the virus, and to avoid contact with them.
“Only wildlife handlers who are trained, protected, and vaccinated should interact with bats,” they said.
Anyone who has received a scratch or a bite from a bat should see urgent medical attention.
“You should wash the wound thoroughly for 15 minutes right away with soap and water and apply an antiseptic such as Betadine,” Glasgow said.
“You will then require treatment with rabies immunoglobulin and rabies vaccine.”
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