Man Dies from Rare Bat-Borne Virus in Australia After Being Bitten
A man in his 50s has died in Australia after contracting the rare "lyssa virus" from a bat bite, marking the country’s third fatal case of the rabies-like infection.
The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was bitten by a bat carrying the Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) months ago, according to health authorities in New South Wales (NSW). The NSW Health Department confirmed that the man passed away this week after being treated in critical condition at a hospital.
ABLV, a close relative of the rabies virus, is transmitted through the saliva of infected bats, typically via bites or scratches. Symptoms can take days or even years to appear, starting with flu-like signs such as headache, fever, and fatigue, before progressing rapidly to paralysis, delirium, seizures, and death.
Only Three Cases Recorded, All Fatal
Since the virus was first detected in 1996, only three cases of ABLV have been recorded in Australia, all of which were fatal. Health authorities have warned that all bats in Australia could potentially carry the virus and urged the public to avoid handling bats.
In a statement, NSW Health advised, “If you or someone you know is bitten or scratched by a bat, thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes and apply an antiseptic solution.”
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