Lyssavirus is closely related to the classic rabies virus, although Australia is rabies free. In recent years, a new lyssavirus was discovered in Australia’s fruit bat population, called ‘Australian bat lyssavirus’ or ABL. This increases the number of identified lyssavirus genotypes worldwide to seven. The previously identified six varieties of lyssavirus are not thought to be present in Australia. ABL has been found in bat populations in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory, but experts recommend that people assume that all bats across Australia are potentially infected.
Symptoms
Only two Australians have died because of infection with the lyssavirus. Symptoms of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) due to lyssavirus include:
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Collapse
- Coma.
Transmission of the lyssavirus
The lyssavirus can’t be transmitted from just handling infected bats, or being splashed on the skin with their urine or faeces. The virus must pass directly from the animal straight to the person’s exposed tissue, nerves or mucus membranes. Bites, scratches or splashes of infected blood or urine into the person’s eyes or nose can cause infection. Thoroughly washing the wound or mucus membrane with soap and water is the most effective way to reduce the risk of transmission.
High risk groups
Research indicates that inoculation with the rabies vaccine can prevent disease. Vaccination consists of three injections of rabies vaccine into the muscle of the shoulder. The second dose is given seven days after the first and then a third is given 21 days after the second. People at risk of being bitten by bats should be vaccinated as a matter of course. High risk groups include:
- Bat handlers and researchers
- Cavers
- Indigenous people who may catch and eat bats
- Power line workers
- Veterinarians and associated staff
- Wildlife officers.
Booster shots
People who have ongoing contact with bats should consider booster shots of the rabies vaccine. The level of antibodies to rabies circulating in the blood should be tested every two years to determine the necessity for booster shots.
Treatment for bites or scratches
If a person has been bitten or scratched by a bat, the bat should (if possible) be secured for testing. The following treatment by a doctor is recommended:
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water
- Treat with five doses of rabies vaccine immediately (day 0) and on days 3, 7, 14 and 28
- Treat with rabies immunoglobulin, if not previously vaccinated.
Avoid bats
The simplest form of prevention is to avoid close contact with bats. Wildlife officers are advised not to hold or touch bats in front of the general public, as this suggests that bats can be safely handled.
Where to get help
Things to remember
- The lyssavirus is a genus of viruses closely related to the classic rabies virus.
- The virus is transmitted to humans by bites or scratches from infected bats.
- The simplest form of prevention is to avoid handling bats.
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