NSW Well being and WIRES Urge Public To not Deal with Bats

Public Urged: Do Not Deal with Bats After Uncommon Lyssavirus Case Confirmed in NSW

WIRES is becoming a member of NSW Well being in urging the group to not contact or deal with bats, following a tragic and uncommon confirmed case of Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) in northern NSW.

A person in his 50s has sadly died after being bitten by a bat a number of months in the past. Whereas lyssavirus transmission to people is extraordinarily uncommon, it’s virtually all the time deadly as soon as signs seem.

In line with NSW Well being, 118 individuals required medical evaluation after bat bites or scratches in 2024. That is the first confirmed human case in NSW, and solely the fourth ever in Australia.

What Is ABLV?

Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) is a virus carefully associated to rabies. It may be carried by each flying-foxes (additionally known as fruit bats) and microbats, and is transmitted to people via saliva by way of bites, scratches, or contact with mucous membranes or open wounds.

The virus is not transmitted by way of bat droppings or urine, and it can’t be caught by being close to a bat.

How Widespread Is It?

Lower than 1% of bats are believed to hold ABLV, however due to the extreme danger to people, solely vaccinated wildlife carers are allowed to deal with bats in Australia.

At WIRES, we rescue 1000’s of flying-foxes and microbats yearly, and whereas suspected ABLV instances are extraordinarily uncommon in care, security is our prime precedence — for our volunteers and the general public.

Do Not Deal with Bats

In case you see a bat that’s injured, sick, or alone on the bottom, do not attempt to decide it up — even in the event you’re attempting to assist.

As an alternative, name WIRES on 1300 094 737.
We’ll ship a skilled, vaccinated volunteer to securely help the animal.

Even well-meaning makes an attempt to assist can lead to bites or scratches — which suggests pressing medical therapy is required.

What To Do If You are Bitten or Scratched

In case you’re uncovered to a bat:

1. Instantly wash the wound with cleaning soap and water for no less than quarter-hour
2. Apply antiseptic, like Betadine
3. Search pressing medical consideration
4. Docs will assess whether or not rabies immunoglobulin and a rabies vaccine are wanted

ABLV can’t be handled as soon as signs start, which is why quick motion is crucial.

Abstract: What You Have to Know

• ABLV is uncommon however deadly — by no means contact a bat. NO TOUCH = NO RISK
• Solely vaccinated wildlife carers, like WIRES volunteers, ought to deal with bats
• Name WIRES on 1300 094 737 in the event you discover a bat in misery
• If bitten/scratched, wash the wound and search pressing care
• Bats are very important to ecosystems — let skilled carers assist them safely