How Aussie man died from a rare virus MONTHS after he was bitten by a bat
The northern NSW man, aged in his 50s, was bitten while trying to free a trapped bat in October 2024.
He received initial treatment but developed symptoms months later and became critically ill, according to the Daily Telegraph.
He died in hospital this week, becoming the first confirmed case of the virus in NSW, and the fourth in Australia.
The other three cases also died, including an eight-year-old Queensland boy in 2013.
Further investigation is underway to establish whether other exposures or factors contributed to the man's death.
'We express our sincere condolences to the man's family and friends for their tragic loss,' a NSW Health spokesperson said.
The tragedy has prompted renewed warnings to avoid touching or handling bats.
The deadly virus has no known cure.
ABLV is closely related to the rabies virus and is typically transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal.
'When a bat is injured or in distress, do not try to rescue it. Contact experts at your local wildlife rescue group, which has trained staff who can deal with bats safely,' NSW Health said.
There is no effective treatment for ABLV or rabies once symptoms begin, making prevention through avoidance and post-exposure vaccination critically important.
Large colonies of native bats are known to inhabit several areas across Sydney, including Centennial Park, Burnt Bridge Creek in Balgowlah, and Parramatta Park.
Veterinarian Dr Alison Peel from the University of Sydney told The Daily Telegraph that the virus remains 'exceptionally rare,' found in 'less than 0.5 per cent of the total bat population.'
Dr Peel explained that transmission to humans only occurs when 'a bat bites or scratches someone and transfers saliva into a wound.'
Despite the low infection rate, she stressed the need for caution, telling people to assume that all bats carry the virus and to not touch them.
The sentiment was echoed by NSW Health director Keira Glasgow.
'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, sadly there is no effective treatment,' she said on Wednesday.
NSW Health advises that anyone bitten by a bat should immediately and thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
After cleaning, apply an antiseptic with antiviral properties, such as povidone-iodine (e.g., Betadine), iodine tincture, aqueous iodine solution, chlorhexidine, or alcohol containing at least 70 per cent ethanol.
Finally, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible for proper wound care and to evaluate your risk of infection.
NSW Health says anyone who sees a bat in distress, injured or trapped on the ground, do not try to rescue it should contact trained experts WIRES on 1300 094 737.
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