BREAKING NEWS Australian man dies after catching a horrific virus spread by bats: NSW Health issues urgent warning
The man aged in his 50s, from northern NSW was rushed to hospital in a critical condition with bat lyssavirus.
It was the first confirmed case of the virus in NSW, and the fourth case in Australia, according to authorities.
He has since died in hospital, NSW Health confirmed on Thursday.
'While it is extremely rare to see a case of Australian bat lyssavirus, there is no effective treatment for it,'
'NSW Health reminds the community to avoid touching or handling bats, as any bat in Australia could carry lyssavirus. Infected bats can transmit the virus to humans when its saliva enters the body via a bat bite or scratch.
'It is crucial that anyone bitten or scratched by a bat seek urgent medical assessment.'
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