The New South Wales health authority reported on 3/7 that a man in his 50s was bitten by a bat several months ago. The bat carried the Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV). His condition deteriorated this week, and he subsequently died in the hospital.
"Australian bat lyssavirus infection is rare, and there is no effective treatment," the health authority said.
Health officials are investigating whether other factors contributed to the man's condition.
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A bat in Australia. Photo: The Australia Museum |
A bat in Australia. Photo: The Australia Museum
Australian bat lyssavirus is similar to the rabies virus, which is not present in Australia. It is transmitted when bat saliva enters a person's body through a bite or scratch. Initial symptoms can take days or even years to appear. The health authority stated that early signs of the disease resemble the flu, including headaches, fever, and fatigue.
The victim's condition rapidly declined, leading to paralysis, delirium, seizures, and death. To date, only three cases of ABLV infection in humans have been recorded since its discovery in 1996, all of which were fatal.
The New South Wales health authority advises people to avoid contact with bats, as any bat species in Australia could potentially carry the lyssavirus.
Huyen Le (According to AFP)