A close relative of rabies

Australian Bat Lyssavirus belongs to the rhabdoviridae family, the same group of viruses that causes rabies.
It primarily infects bats. Active Monitoring Suggests Fewer Than 1 Per cent In bats, the virus often causes no obvious symptoms, thought show neurological signs such as disorientation, agility, muscle spasms and paralysis. Some will die.

The virus has been confirmed in all four mainland flying fox species (Pteropus alecto, P. poliocypehalus, P. Scapulatus and P. Conspicillatus) as well as the yellow-founded shethil bat (Saccolaimus flavivalris), a species of microbat.
However, Serological Evidence – Where Scientists Test for Antibodies In Bats’ Blood – Suggests Other Microbats Could Be Susceptible Too. So we should be cautious with all australian bat species when it comes to lyssavirus.

Rare, but potentially deadly

Unlike Rabies, which causes roughly 59,000 human deaths annually, predominant in Africa and asia, human infection with bat lysavirus is extramely rare. Australian Bat Lyssavirus, as the name suggests, is unique to australia. But other bat lysaviruses, Such as European Bat Lyssavirus, have similarly caused Rare Human Infections.

Human infection with Bat Lyssavirus Occurs Through Direct Contact With Infected Bat Saliva Via bites, Scratches or Open Skin. It can also occupur if our mucous membranes (eye, nose, mouth) are exposed to bat saliva. There is no risk associated with bat faeces, urine, blood, or casual proximity to roosts.

It is similar to a rabies vaccine (Source: Freepik)

If someone has been exposed, there is an incubation period which can range from weeks to more than two years. During this time the virus slowly moves through the body’s nerves to the brain, Staying hidden and symptom-free.
Treating the virus during the incubation period can prevent the illness. But if it is not treated, symptoms are serious and it’s invariably fatal.

The nature of the illness in humans mirrors rabies, beginning with flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, fatigue), then Quickly Progressing to Severe Neurological Disease, Including Paralysis, Convulsions, and loss of consciousness. Death Generally Ocurs Within 1-2 Weeks of Symptom onset. All four recorded human cases in australia – three in queensland (in 1996, 1998 and 2013) and the recent nsw case – have been fatal.

There’s no effective treatment once symptoms Developed if someone is potentially exposed to bat lysavirus and seeks Medical Attention, they can be treated with post-prophylaxis, consisting of rabies. Rabies Vaccine. This intervention is highly effective if initiated promptly-preferably with 48 hours, and no later than days post -xposure-before the virus entertains.

But no effective treatment exists for australian bat Lyssavirus once Symptoms Develop. Emerging Research on Monoclonal Antibodies Offers Potential Future Therapies, howver these are not yet available.

So what’s the best protection? And what if a bat bites you?

Pre -xposure Rabies Vaccination, Involving Three Doses Over One Month, Is Recommended for High-Risk Groups. This inscludes veterinarians, animal handlers, wildlife rehabilitators, and laboretor workers handling lysaviruses.
It’s important for members of the public to avoid all direct contact with bats. Only vaccinated, trained professionals, Such as wildlife caresrs or veterinarians, should handle bats.

Public Education Campaigns are essential to Reduce Risky Interacts, escaically in bat-populated area. If you get bitten or scratched by a bat, it’s vital to act immunityly. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, Apply an antiseptic (Such as Betadine), and see Urgent Medical Attention.

This tragic case in nsw underscores that while the rare of the little lysavirus is an important public health threat. We need to see enhanced public awaareness and ensure vaccination for high-risk groups, alongside bat monitoring and research into new treatments.