Australian man dies from 'extremely rare' bat bite virus
The man in his 50s was bitten by a bat carrying Australian bat lyssavirus several months ago, the health service in New South Wales said.
"We express our sincere condolences to the man's family and friends for their tragic loss," NSW Health said in a statement.
"While it is extremely rare to see a case of Australian bat lyssavirus, there is no effective treatment for it."
The man from northern New South Wales, who has not been identified, was this week listed as being in a "critical condition" in hospital.
Officials said he was treated following the bite and they were investigating to see whether other exposures or factors played a role in his illness.
The virus -- a close relative to rabies, which does not exist in Australia -- is transmitted when bat saliva enters the human body through a bite or scratch.
First symptoms can take days or years to appear.
Early signs of the disease are flu-like -- a headache, fever and fatigue, the health service said.
The victim's condition rapidly deteriorates, leading to paralysis, delirium, convulsions and death.
There were only three previous cases of human infection by Australian bat lyssavirus since it was first identified in 1996 -- all of them fatal.
'Coma and death'
People should avoid touching or handling bats, as any bat in Australia could carry lyssavirus, the New South Wales health service said.
Only wildlife handlers who are trained, protected, and vaccinated should interact with the flying mammals, it warned.
"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 anti-virus action," it said.
"Patients then require treatment with rabies immunoglobulin and rabies vaccine."
The virus has been found in species of flying foxes and insect-eating microbats, NSW Health said.
The species of bat involved in the latest fatality has not been identified.
"Australian bat lyssavirus is very closely related to rabies and will cause death in susceptible people if they become infected and are not treated quickly," said James Gilkerson, infectious diseases expert at the University of Melbourne.
The virus was first identified in May 1996 by scientists at the national science agency CSIRO, who examined brain tissue from a flying fox that had been showing "nervous signs" in New South Wales.
Later that year, a bat handler in Queensland became ill.
"The initial numbness and weakness suffered in her arm progressed to coma and death," the science agency said in an online document on the virus.
"Two further cases in Queensland -- a woman in 1998 and an eight year old boy in 2013 -- resulted in death after being bitten or scratched by a bat," it said.
There are subtle differences between the lyssavirus in flying foxes and insectivorous bats, the science agency has found.
Infected bats can transmit the virus to people, other bats and other mammals.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
5 hours ago
- Zawya
Guinea: Community comes together to reduce disease and disaster risks
In the village of Dalafilani, Guinea, discover how the Guinean Red Cross supported the community to come together, building a network of canals to reduce the risks of flooding and infectious diseases. For as long as they can remember, the people of Dalafilani—a small, rural village of 2,000 people in central Guinea—have faced a recurring and significant problem: flooding. Every time heavy rains came, water coursed through the village, damaging homes and leaving large pools of polluted, stagnant water—the perfect breeding ground for waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases. Not only did the floods jeopardise people's homes and health, they also caused economic pressures. Villagers used to have to frequently buy medicine to treat relatives who fell sick from flood-related diseases, diverting precious income from other daily needs. So when local Guinean Red Cross volunteers rallied the community together to discuss potential solutions, the community decided it would do whatever it takes to keep the floods—and diseases—at bay. A community diagnosis at the heart of change Through the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3), trained Guinean Red Cross volunteers led the community through a participatory risk assessment to understand the problem, discuss the community's needs and resources, and come up with a workable solution. ' As members of this community, we worked together to identify the priority problems. During a community diagnosis, the residents recognized that flooding and wastewater were a major source of disease, and that their environment had a direct impact on their health, safety and livelihoods,' explains Guinean Red Cross volunteer, Sekou Oularé. ' Together, we came up with the idea of constructing a system of canals through the village to evacuate flood and wastewater. The Red Cross facilitated this process, providing tools and logistical support,' he adds. Taking collective action With a plan of action agreed, villagers in Dalafilani quickly got to work turning their idea into reality. 'We decided to mobilize the whole community. Men and women worked hand in hand to build the canals. We made bricks, dug trenches and transported materials. This work has enabled us to create a functional drainage system that carries rainwater and domestic wastewater away from our village,' explains Fanta Bö Kourouma, president of the Dalafilani youth group. Guinean Red Cross volunteers were on hand throughout the process—helping to build the canals, map out where they should run to most effectively carry water away from the village, and procure the necessary materials. A healthier, safer community in the long-term Following the construction of the canals, it didn't take long for the community to see a positive change. The village is cleaner, there are no more pools of stagnant water following the rains, and families are relieved to see their children in better health. 'Before, we had problems with illness, especially among children. They used to play in the dirty water and it made them sick. It was a heavy burden on our finances because of the cost of medicines. Today, thanks to the drainage system, there are fewer mosquitoes and fewer children are getting sick,' says Gbè Traoré, a resident of Dalafilani. Local health authorities have also reported a decrease in diseases, with head of the Dalafilani health post, Bernard Camara, recording significantly fewer medical consultations relating to malaria and water-borne diseases. Guinea Red Cross volunteers continue to support people in Dalafilani, conducting regular community meetings to raise awareness of epidemic risks and reinforce cleanliness efforts. Dalafilani village chief, Fodé Oularé, is relieved to see improvements to his community's health, and understands they need to keep working together to keep disease risks at bay in the long-term. 'Before, rainwater was running off in all directions, creating puddles of stagnant water. Now, with the system we've built, the water is drained away and we have a cleaner environment. The Red Cross has been working with us to raise awareness and maintain this progress, but it's up to us, the residents, to keep things clean to prevent disease,' he explains. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
UAE Moments
17 hours ago
- UAE Moments
Essential Tips to Stay Cool and Beat the Summer Heat
Tips to Stay Cool in the Summer Summer is a season that brings joy through outdoor activities, beach trips, and family gatherings. However, extreme heat can take a toll on your health and comfort. Staying cool and protecting yourself from heat exhaustion is essential for enjoying the summer months while staying safe. In this article, we'll provide practical tips to beat the summer heat, incorporating useful subtopics like water, ice, shades, clothing, umbrellas, fans, and more. The Importance of Hydration Keeping yourself hydrated is one of the most important ways to stay cool during the summer. Water helps regulate your body temperature and prevents dehydration caused by excessive sweating. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dehydration can lead to serious complications such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which are common in the hotter months. Drink Plenty of Water On sweltering days, it is advisable to drink at least eight glasses of water to maintain proper hydration. Carrying a refillable water bottle wherever you go ensures that you always have access to clean water. If you're participating in outdoor activities, increase your intake to replace the water lost through sweat. Add Electrolytes to Your Diet While water is the obvious choice, adding electrolytes can be highly beneficial as they replenish the salts lost during perspiration. Sports drinks, coconut water, and electrolyte tablets can give your body the boost it needs to stay balanced and energized throughout the day. Summer music festivals often take place in open fields under intense sunlight. Organizers frequently stress the importance of hydration, and many festivals provide free water stations to prevent heat-related illnesses among attendees. This emphasizes the vital role water plays in enduring prolonged exposure to the sun. Embrace Shade and Shelter Finding shade or shelter from the sun's direct rays can make a significant difference in staying cool. Shade not only reduces your exposure to the sun but also allows your body a chance to recover from the heat. Relax Under Trees Natural shade offered by trees can lower the air temperature by several degrees compared to open spaces. Parks with abundant tree cover become havens during a scorching day, providing relief and minimizing UV exposure. Set Up a Canopy or Umbrella Portable solutions such as canopies, beach tents, or large umbrellas are great for creating instant shade. These are particularly useful for picnics, sports events, or beach outings. If you're planning a summer gathering, investing in a sturdy umbrella can help guests stay comfortable. Designing Outdoor Spaces with Shade Studies show that urban areas benefit greatly from shaded parks and streets, which reduce the heat island effect. For homeowners, planting trees or installing pergolas can be an effective way to design outdoor spaces that naturally offer cooler temperatures. Optimize Your Clothing Choices Clothing plays a key role in regulating your comfort and body temperature during summer. Choosing the right fabrics, colors, and styles can impact how well you handle the heat. Wear Light and Breathable Fabrics Cotton and linen are ideal fabrics for summer as they allow airflow and absorb sweat. Loose-fitting clothes prevent you from feeling constricted while enabling ventilation and comfort. Industry experts recommend avoiding synthetic fabrics, which trap heat and moisture. Select Light Colors Light-colored clothing reflects sunlight, whereas darker shades absorb it, causing your body temperature to rise. White, beige, pastel, or other light tones are the most suitable options during summer months. Incorporate Hats and Scarves Wide-brimmed hats or lightweight scarves can offer an additional layer of protection against the sun's harmful rays. These accessories are not only functional but also add a fashionable flair to your summer wardrobe. Examples from Athletes During summer sports tournaments, athletes often wear moisture-wicking clothing to both stay cool and improve performance. This practical application highlights the benefits of choosing heat-appropriate apparel. Benefits of Portable Fans Technology has made staying cool easier than ever. Personal fans can help lower your body temperature efficiently, particularly in spaces where air conditioning is unavailable. Carry Handheld Fans A handheld battery-operated fan is perfect for individuals on the go. It emits targeted airflow and is compact enough to fit into a bag, making it a practical solution for short-term relief from heat. Use Neck Fans Neck fans have gained popularity for their practicality. These devices wrap comfortably around your neck and provide consistent airflow, keeping you cool without occupying your hands. This makes them suitable for outdoor activities such as hiking or theme park visits. Room Fans and Air Circulation Floor-standing or tabletop fans significantly improve comfort levels indoors. By positioning a fan near a window, you can circulate cooler air throughout the room. Oscillating fans create a breeze effect, simulating natural wind patterns to reduce discomfort. Statistical Data on Fan Usage In hot climates, households typically increase their usage of fans by 25-40% during peak summer months. This data underscores the importance of fans in mitigating heat stress and maintaining indoor comfort. Cool Down with Ice Packs and Cold Showers When the temperature rises to unbearable levels, ice packs and cold showers offer immediate relief. These methods are particularly useful to combat overheating or exhaustion. Use Ice Packs on Pressure Points Applying ice packs to pressure points such as the neck, wrists, and ankles can rapidly cool your body. This technique is often used in medical settings to address heat exhaustion, highlighting its practicality for home use. Take Regular Cold Showers A cold shower not only lowers your core temperature but also refreshes and rejuvenates you during hot days. Consider taking more frequent showers if you're spending extended periods exposed to the sun. Make DIY Ice Towels Soak a small towel in ice water and apply it to your forehead, shoulders, or other areas prone to discomfort from heat. This impromptu solution is particularly convenient during travel or outdoor events. Real-Life Example: Workplace Adaptation Many workplaces in arid regions provide employees with cold towels and ice packs to ensure productivity isn't hampered by extreme heat. Employers recognize the advantages of incorporating such cooling measures. Utilize Cooling Technology Advancements in technology have made summer easier to endure. Cooling devices, designed for portability and effectiveness, make staying cool achievable even during extreme conditions. Invest in Cooling Apparel Many brands now produce specialized cooling apparel, embedded with gel beads or cooling fibers. These products aim to minimize heat buildup while keeping wearers comfortable. Cooling Sneakers Footwear brands have introduced sneakers with mesh designs and air vents for better airflow. These are particularly beneficial for individuals who remain active outdoors during summer. Thermal Cooling Devices From cooling pillows to USB-powered cooling products, there's a wide range of tools designed to manage heat in everyday situations. These innovations simplify staying cool without altering one's routine. Studies on Cooling Technology Research in thermal regulation demonstrates that cooling technology can reduce fatigue caused by high temperatures by up to 30%. This makes it a viable option for those living in extremely hot regions. Smart Eating Habits What you eat can directly impact how you cope with the summer heat. Consuming hydrating, refreshing foods ensures your body stays cool and energized. Eat Water-Rich Foods Fruits such as watermelon, cucumber, and citrus are ideal summer snacks. Their high water content and ability to soothe digestion make them perfect accompaniments during the hotter months. Avoid Heavy or Spicy Foods Heavy meals and spicy ingredients can elevate body temperature, making discomfort worse. Opt for lighter meals that are easier to digest for maintaining overall coolness. Prepare Herbal Teas and Iced Drinks Herbal teas such as peppermint and chamomile offer natural cooling benefits. Served cold, they not only refresh but can also provide subtle calming effects. Adding ice enhances their chill factor. Global Dietary Recommendations In Mediterranean cultures, cold dishes like gazpacho are commonly eaten during summertime to regulate body temperature. These traditions serve as valuable dietary guides for summer eating. Plan Activities Strategically While summer is synonymous with outdoor fun, it's wise to plan activities wisely to avoid excessive heat exposure. Go Outdoors Early in the Morning or Evening The sun's intensity peaks during midday, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Scheduling outdoor activities for early mornings or evenings minimizes the risk of heat-related discomfort and UV exposure. Schedule Breaks If participating in prolonged outdoor activities, be sure to take regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces. Balance between exertion and relaxation plays a key role in staying cool. Use Heat Forecast Apps Weather forecasting apps help you plan your day around heat advisories. Tracking the temperature and UV index enables proactive measures for maintaining comfort. Example from Outdoor Workers Construction workers or landscapers often adhere to schedules designed around heat advisories, emphasizing the importance of strategic activity planning. The Role of Air Conditioning Air conditioning remains one of the most effective methods to combat summer heat. While not universally accessible, it is central to staying comfortable in many homes and offices. Optimize AC Usage To maximize efficiency, operate air conditioners at moderate temperatures rather than very cold settings. This creates a sustainable balance between cooling and energy costs. Maintenance Tips Regular cleaning of AC filters ensures optimal performance. Studies show that poorly maintained air conditioning units can increase electricity usage by 15%, highlighting the need for upkeep. Alternative Air Cooling Systems Evaporative coolers, ceiling fans, and cooling window films serve as alternatives for those who do not have full air conditioning systems. These options maintain comfort without heavy reliance on standard AC units. Statistical Insights
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Khaleej Times
Australian man dies from 'extremely rare' bat bite virus
An Australian man has died from an "extremely rare" rabies-like infection transmitted by a bat bite, health officials said Thursday. The man in his 50s was bitten by a bat carrying Australian bat lyssavirus several months ago, the health service in New South Wales said. "We express our sincere condolences to the man's family and friends for their tragic loss," NSW Health said in a statement. "While it is extremely rare to see a case of Australian bat lyssavirus, there is no effective treatment for it." The man from northern New South Wales, who has not been identified, was this week listed as being in a "critical condition" in hospital. Officials said he was treated following the bite and they were investigating to see whether other exposures or factors played a role in his illness. The virus -- a close relative to rabies, which does not exist in Australia -- is transmitted when bat saliva enters the human body through a bite or scratch. First symptoms can take days or years to appear. Early signs of the disease are flu-like -- a headache, fever and fatigue, the health service said. The victim's condition rapidly deteriorates, leading to paralysis, delirium, convulsions and death. There were only three previous cases of human infection by Australian bat lyssavirus since it was first identified in 1996 -- all of them fatal. 'Coma and death' People should avoid touching or handling bats, as any bat in Australia could carry lyssavirus, the New South Wales health service said. Only wildlife handlers who are trained, protected, and vaccinated should interact with the flying mammals, it warned. "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 anti-virus action," it said. "Patients then require treatment with rabies immunoglobulin and rabies vaccine." The virus has been found in species of flying foxes and insect-eating microbats, NSW Health said. The species of bat involved in the latest fatality has not been identified. "Australian bat lyssavirus is very closely related to rabies and will cause death in susceptible people if they become infected and are not treated quickly," said James Gilkerson, infectious diseases expert at the University of Melbourne. The virus was first identified in May 1996 by scientists at the national science agency CSIRO, who examined brain tissue from a flying fox that had been showing "nervous signs" in New South Wales. Later that year, a bat handler in Queensland became ill. "The initial numbness and weakness suffered in her arm progressed to coma and death," the science agency said in an online document on the virus. "Two further cases in Queensland -- a woman in 1998 and an eight year old boy in 2013 -- resulted in death after being bitten or scratched by a bat," it said. There are subtle differences between the lyssavirus in flying foxes and insectivorous bats, the science agency has found. Infected bats can transmit the virus to people, other bats and other mammals.
