A New South Wales man has tragically died after contracting the rare but deadly lyssavirus, believed to have been transmitted through a bat bite.
The man, aged in his 60s, was bitten or scratched by a bat in mid-May and developed symptoms several weeks later. NSW Health confirmed his death today and has issued an urgent reminder to the public not to handle bats unless properly trained and vaccinated.
Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) is similar to rabies and can cause severe neurological illness and death if not promptly treated. While human cases are extremely rare, this marks just the fourth known death from ABLV in Australia since its discovery in 1996.
NSW Health says the virus is carried by a small percentage of bats, but any bite or scratch from a bat should be treated seriously. Post-exposure treatment is effective if given early, but delays can be fatal.
Authorities are urging anyone who comes into contact with a bat to immediately wash the area with soap and water, seek medical advice, and contact public health services.
This tragic case has reignited calls for greater public awareness around bat safety and wildlife handling.