Public Urged: Do Not Deal with Bats After Uncommon Lyssavirus Case Confirmed in NSW
WIRES is becoming a member of NSW Well being in urging the group to not contact or deal with bats, following a tragic and uncommon confirmed case of Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) in northern NSW.
A person in his 50s has sadly died after being bitten by a bat a number of months in the past. Whereas lyssavirus transmission to people is extraordinarily uncommon, it’s nearly all the time deadly as soon as signs seem.
In response to NSW Well being, 118 folks required medical evaluation after bat bites or scratches in 2024. That is the first confirmed human case in NSW, and solely the fourth ever in Australia.
What Is ABLV?
Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) is a virus intently associated to rabies. It may be carried by each flying-foxes (additionally referred to as fruit bats) and microbats, and is transmitted to people by saliva through bites, scratches, or contact with mucous membranes or open wounds.
The virus is not transmitted through bat droppings or urine, and it can’t be caught by being close to a bat.
How Widespread Is It?
Lower than 1% of bats are believed to hold ABLV, however due to the extreme danger to people, solely vaccinated wildlife carers are allowed to deal with bats in Australia.
At WIRES, we rescue hundreds of flying-foxes and microbats yearly, and whereas suspected ABLV circumstances are extraordinarily uncommon in care, security is our prime precedence — for our volunteers and the general public.
Do Not Deal with Bats
Should you see a bat that’s injured, sick, or alone on the bottom, do not attempt to choose it up — even if you happen to’re attempting to assist.
As a substitute, name WIRES on 1300 094 737.
We are going to ship a educated, vaccinated volunteer to securely help the animal.
Even well-meaning makes an attempt to assist may end up in bites or scratches — which implies pressing medical therapy is required.
What To Do If You are Bitten or Scratched
Should you’re uncovered to a bat:
- Instantly wash the wound with cleaning soap and water for at the very least quarter-hour
- Apply antiseptic, like Betadine
- Search pressing medical consideration
- Docs will assess whether or not rabies immunoglobulin and a rabies vaccine are wanted
ABLV can’t be handled as soon as signs start, which is why quick motion is important.
Abstract: What You Have to Know
- ABLV is uncommon however deadly — by no means contact a bat. NO TOUCH = NO RISK
- Solely vaccinated wildlife carers, like WIRES volunteers, ought to deal with bats
- Name WIRES on 1300 094 737 if you happen to discover a bat in misery
- If bitten/scratched, wash the wound and search pressing care
- Bats are important to ecosystems — let educated carers assist them safely
