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NSW rare bat virus warning

NSW Issues Rare Bat Virus Warning After Man Dies From Lyssavirus
In a significant development that has raised public health concerns across New South Wales, authorities have confirmed the state’s first fatal case of Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV). A middle aged man from northern NSW tragically died after contracting the virus, following a bat bite he sustained nearly a year ago. This has prompted NSW Health to issue an urgent public safety alert, reminding residents of the dangers associated with direct contact with bats. Though the virus is exceedingly rare, its severity and the lack of effective treatment post symptom onset make it a serious threat, especially for those unaware of proper post exposure procedures.

ABLV is a close relative of the rabies virus and can be transmitted through the saliva of infected bats, typically via bites or scratches. Once symptoms of infection appear, the disease is almost always fatal. In this recent case, the man had been bitten by a bat on his finger in late 2024. Although he sought medical help at the time and received initial treatment, the virus incubated silently in his body before eventually progressing. He began showing flu like symptoms that evolved into neurological complications, and despite intensive medical intervention, he passed away. This marks only the fourth recorded human fatality from ABLV in Australia since the virus was first identified in 1996.

The virus has a long and unpredictable incubation period anywhere from several weeks to over a year. This aspect makes it especially dangerous, as people may not associate later health problems with an old bite. Health experts warn that any contact with bats, particularly if it involves skin puncture, should be treated as a potential exposure to ABLV. The virus attacks the central nervous system, and once symptoms begin fever, headache, fatigue, confusion, muscle weakness, and eventually paralysis it is virtually untreatable. Death usually occurs within a few days to weeks of symptom onset. Prevention, therefore, remains the most critical weapon against it.

The broader community has responded with both shock and increased concern. Wildlife rehabilitators, who regularly work with bats, are particularly on alert, reiterating the need for proper protective equipment and vaccinations. NSW Health has urged the public not to touch or handle bats under any circumstance, even if the animal appears injured, trapped, or sick. Instead, people should call trained wildlife rescue services. Only those who have received a full pre exposure vaccination regimen and know how to safely handle bats should attempt to assist them. Authorities are also encouraging general practitioners and emergency medical personnel to stay vigilant and review current protocols for bat related injuries.

What makes ABLV especially menacing is its silent presence in the environment. Flying foxes, fruit bats, and microbats can all carry the virus, though fewer than 1% of healthy bats are infected. That figure rises significantly in sick, injured, or orphaned bats, with estimates suggesting infection rates of up to 10% in distressed animals. Compounding the issue is the growing interaction between humans and wildlife due to urban expansion, habitat loss, and climate shifts. Bats, being resilient and adaptable, often roost in urban areas, parks, and even backyards. This proximity increases the risk of unintentional contact, especially among curious children or individuals trying to help an injured animal without realizing the potential danger.

Medical experts emphasize the importance of post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in cases of any suspected ABLV exposure. The immediate response should involve washing the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, applying antiseptic, and seeking medical attention as quickly as possible. Doctors may then administer a series of rabies vaccines, and in certain cases, rabies immunoglobulin a critical element especially if the person hasn’t been previously vaccinated. Time is of the essence in these scenarios, as delaying treatment increases the risk of viral infection progressing to a fatal stage.

In light of this latest case, the NSW government is also planning to enhance public awareness campaigns. These will include educational programs in schools, community centers, and online platforms focusing on the importance of wildlife safety and the risks posed by bat bites. Leaflets, posters, and digital materials will aim to communicate the clear "do not touch" message, especially in areas known to have large bat populations. Wildlife organizations have applauded this approach, noting that misinformation and lack of awareness often lead well meaning individuals to make fatal mistakes when encountering injured or distressed bats.

This fatality, though tragic, serves as a sobering reminder of the risks present in even seemingly minor interactions with wildlife. While Australia has long dealt with various zoonotic threats from Hendra virus in horses to Ross River virus in mosquitoes ABLV remains one of the most feared due to its high fatality rate and lack of cure. The NSW Health Department has reiterated its commitment to closely monitor bat populations, improve wildlife surveillance systems, and increase access to rabies vaccine supplies in hospitals and rural clinics. As climate change continues to influence bat migration and behavior, health authorities are taking this moment to revisit response protocols and strengthen community resilience against rare but deadly viruses.