A deadly virus resurfaces in NSW
A man in his 50s from northern New South Wales has died after contracting Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), marking the fourth recorded death in Australia since the virus was identified in 1996. According to NSW Health, the man had been bitten by a bat several months earlier and received prompt medical attention. Despite this, he succumbed to the infection, which was confirmed as the state’s first case of ABLV in humans.
This tragic incident has reignited concern and questions about lyssavirus in Australia, a rare but almost always fatal condition if not treated before symptoms appear.
Figure 1: Since the Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) was discovered in 1996, four deaths have been reported in Australia, including the death of a man in his 50s from NSW.
What is lyssavirus?
Lyssavirus is a group of viruses closely related to the rabies virus. In Australia, bats are the primary carriers of Australian bat lyssavirus, and infection occurs through bites or scratches. Transmission can also occur when saliva comes into contact with a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth.
The early symptoms of lyssavirus are flu-like, including headache, fever, and fatigue. The illness then rapidly escalates to paralysis, delirium, convulsions, and ultimately, death within one to two weeks. There is no effective treatment once symptoms begin.
How widespread is Australian bat lyssavirus?
ABLV was first detected in May 1996 in a black flying fox near Ballina, NSW. Since then, it has been found in several species of flying foxes, fruit bats and microbats across NSW, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Dr Alison Peel, a veterinary scientist at the University of Sydney, explained, “We know that a large number of bats have been exposed to the virus but not gone on to have clinical signs that they ultimately die off. It’s a small proportion of bats that go on to develop those clinical signs, whereas in people and other animals, it almost always ends in death.”
According to Trish Paterson, who runs the Australian Bat Clinic and Wildlife Trauma Centre, less than 0.1 per cent of Australian bats carry the virus. “They catch it from a bite or a scratch from an infected bat, so the bats die from it exactly the same way we do,” she said. “It’s nasty, very painful, and can take three to four weeks for an animal to die once they’ve contracted lyssavirus.”
Figure 2: Bats hanging above Trish Paterson’s property in Queensland. [Credit: ABC News/Trish Paterson]
How do humans contract it?
Humans usually contract the virus through direct exposure to bats, either via a bite or scratch. While theoretically, other mammals could transmit the virus, such cases are exceedingly rare.
So far, there have only been four known human cases of ABLV infection in Australia, all of which resulted in death. The victims included two women, a young boy, and the most recent man in NSW. All infections stemmed from contact with bats.
Veterinary biology expert Prof Tim Mahony noted, “We’ve had four cases since we’ve known about it in the mid-‘90s. Over that time, I would expect thousands of people have been exposed to bats in some way or another.”
What are the symptoms?
Lyssavirus symptoms typically appear weeks to months after exposure and begin with flu-like signs such as fever, headache and fatigue. The virus then attacks the central nervous system, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, delirium, convulsions and death.
The unpredictable incubation period, which can sometimes extend to years, complicates early detection. Once symptoms appear, there is no known cure.
Prevention and post-exposure treatment
There is no treatment available after the onset of symptoms; however, timely post-exposure treatment can be life-saving. To properly care for the wound, start by cleaning it thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Next, apply an antiviral antiseptic, such as Betadine. After that, it’s important to administer rabies immunoglobulin and follow up with a schedule of rabies vaccinations.
Dr Peel explained, “ABLV is closely enough related to rabies that all of the preventative measures developed around the world for rabies, including vaccines and post-exposure treatment, work against ABLV.” She added, “You’re giving your immune system a head start rather than waiting for it to develop those antibodies.”
Individuals at higher risk, such as veterinarians, bat carers, and wildlife officers, should receive three preventive rabies vaccine doses over a one-month period, with boosters as needed.
Who is at risk?
While only a minuscule fraction of bats carry lyssavirus, the risk is significant for people who handle bats. This includes wildlife rescuers, veterinarians, and powerline workers who may relocate bats. Travellers to rabies-endemic countries are also at increased risk if they come into contact with wild or domestic mammals.
Dr Peel emphasised the importance of not attempting to assist bats, especially if they appear distressed. “Anyone who sees a bat in distress is urged not to attempt to come to its aid,” she said.
Instead, people should contact trained professionals via local wildlife rescue groups or WIRES at 1300 094 737.
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Stay Safe Around Bats
Lyssavirus is rare but deadly. The recent NSW case is a sobering reminder that even with medical care, the virus can be fatal. If you see a bat, don’t touch it. Call a trained wildlife rescuer. And if you work near bats, be sure to get vaccinated. Staying cautious is the best protection.
Vaccination, education and awareness are key. As Trish Paterson said, “If he received treatment and still contracted the virus, that would be a little bit concerning.” Her concern underscores the importance of prevention over cure, especially with a virus like ABLV, where the stakes are high and the outcomes nearly always fatal.
If you come across a bat that is injured, trapped or behaving unusually, avoid all contact and call WIRES at 1300 094 737 or your local wildlife rescue service immediately.
