NSW man dies after contracting Australian bat lyssavirus
NSW Health confirmed a man in his 50s died after contracting NSW's first recorded case of Australian bat lyssavirus.
'We express our sincere condolences to the man's family and friends for their tragic loss,' A NSW Health spokesperson said.
'While it is extremely rare t see a case of Australian bat lyssavirus, there is no effective treatment for it.'
Aussies have been warned any bats could carry the life-threatening virus, and were urged to avoid touching or handling the animals. 'Only wildlife handlers who are trained, protected, and vaccinated should interact with bats.'
The virus is spread to humans when saliva enters the body through cuts or scratches, the health department warning it's 'crucial' for anyone bitten or scratched by bats to urgently seek medical assessment.
'If you or someone you know is bitten or scratched by a bat, you need to wash the wound thoroughly for 15 minutes right away with soap and water and apply an antiseptic with antivirus action, such as betadine, and allow it to dry,' the spokesperson said.
'Patients then require treatment with rabies immunoglobulin and rabies vaccine.'
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