Doctors in South Australia have identified two cases of Australian bat lyssavirus (ABL). The potentially fatal virus can be transmitted from bats to humans through bites and scratches. ABL and rabies both belong to the group of viruses called Lyssaviruses, which attack the nervous system.
Dr Louise Flood, of the Department of Health and Welfare’s Communicable Disease Control Directorate, warned that if symptoms were left untreated, they could be “invariably fatal.”
She said: “ABL is a rabies-like disease that can be transmitted to humans if they are bitten or scratched by an infected bat and if treatment is delayed until symptoms appear, disease is invariably fatal.
Dr Flood said only 1% of bats carry the disease, but insisted the increase in cases is “worrying”.
She added: “While only one percent of bats are typically carriers of AML, these two recent exposures are cause for concern and are an important reminder that bats should never be handled except by properly trained animal handlers. and vaccinated.
“Although the development of ABL from bat bites or scratches can be prevented with prompt wound management and post-exposure prophylaxis, it is important to avoid contact first. location.
Dr Mary Carr of the Department of Primary Industries has also issued a warning regarding pets and urged Australians to take them to the vet if they have been attacked by a bat.
She said: “If you suspect your pet has been bitten or scratched by a bat, please contact your local veterinarian or the Animal Disease Emergency Hotline.”
The first signs of the virus in humans include flu-like symptoms, such as headache, fever, and weakness.
Anyone bitten by a bat is urged to take immediate action and wash the area with soap for at least five minutes, according to guidelines from the Government of South Australia.
They are also encouraged to apply an antiseptic solution and, if necessary, seek medical assistance.
A pre-exposure vaccine is also available and is recommended for handlers of wild animals.
Only three ABL infections have been recorded in humans in Australia and all three have died, according to the government of South Africa.
READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Leaving voters on the ‘right side of history’ on coronavirus
The time scale surrounding the third death is not known.
In Australia, larger flying foxes and smaller insectivorous bats were found to carry LBA.
It is estimated that about one percent of wild bats carry the disease.
In sick and injured bats, it is estimated to be as high as seven percent.
–
