NSW man dies after contracting state's first confirmed case of lyssavirus after bat bite, health authorities confirm

7 hours ago

A New South Wales man has died after contracting the state's first recorded case of Australian bat lyssavirus.
In a statement on Thursday, a NSW Health spokesperson confirmed the man had succumbed to the virus after fighting for life in hospital.
"We express our sincere condolences to the man's family and friends for their tragic loss," a spokesperson said.
"While it is extremely rare to see a case of Australian bat lyssavirus, there is no effective treatment for it."
On Wednesday, NSW Health said the man was in a critical condition after being bitten by a bat several months ago.
The situation sparked an urgent warning from authorities, urging the public to avoid touching or handling bats given the risk of contracting lyssavirus.
Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) is typically spread from bats to humans when the virus in the animal's saliva enters the body through a bite or scratch.
The illness, which can be fatal if left untreated, is a considered to be closely related to the rabies virus.
Earlier, Director in Health Protection at NSW Health Keira Glasgow described the situation as "very tragic" particularly given the man sought treatment following his injury.
Ms Glasgow confirmed the man was the first person in NSW to contract the virus, and fourth on a national level.
She urged people to assume any bat in Australia can carry lyssavirus, adding urgent medical assessment is crucial if a person is bitten or scratched by the animal.
"You will need to wash the wound thoroughly for 15 minutes right away with soap and water and apply an antiseptic with anti-virus action, such as betadine, and allow it to dry," she said.
"You will then require treatment with rabies immunoglobulin and rabies vaccine."
ABLV can be carried by species of flying foxes, fruit bats and insect-eating microbats.
NSW Health has reminded Australians the best form of protected from infection is to not touch bats.
"If you see a bat in distress, injured or trapped on the ground, do not try to rescue it," health authorities said.
Members of the community should contact their local wildlife rescue group or trained experts at wildlife rescue organisation WIRES via 1300 094 737 if they notice a bat in distress.