Australian Man in His 50s Dies from Rabies-Like Virus After Bat Bite

Infected with 'Australian Bat Lyssavirus' Several Months Ago
Authorities: "Cases Extremely Rare, But No Cure Available"

A man in his 50s in Australia has died after being infected with a rare virus similar to rabies following a bat bite.

According to CBS in the United States and AFP in France on the 4th (local time), the New South Wales (NSW) Health Department in Australia announced that a man in his 50s, identified as Mr. A, died after being bitten by a bat. It was determined that Mr. A had been bitten several months ago by a bat infected with Australian Bat Lyssavirus. He was from northern NSW and fell into critical condition earlier this week while being treated in the hospital, but ultimately passed away.

Mr. A is the first case of infection by this virus in NSW and the fourth in Australia overall. Australian Bat Lyssavirus was first discovered in May 1996 when the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) analyzed the brain tissue of a "flying fox" in NSW. Infection occurs when bat saliva enters the human body through a bite wound, and the symptoms of this virus are similar to those of rabies.

Bat. Photo is not related to the specific content of the article. Pixabay

The onset of initial symptoms can vary from a few days to several years after infection. Symptoms begin with headache or fever and, if they worsen rapidly, can progress to hallucinations or paralysis, eventually leading to death. Kayla Glasgow, director of the Infectious Disease Protection Division at NSW Health, stated, "Cases of infection with Australian Bat Lyssavirus are extremely rare," but added, "There is essentially no cure once infected."

The first death from this virus occurred in 1996 when a bat handler in northeastern Queensland was infected. In 1998 and 2013, a woman and an eight-year-old boy also died after being bitten by bats. In NSW alone, 118 people received treatment last year after being bitten or scratched by bats. In North America, including the United States and Canada, at least three people are known to have died last year after being bitten by bats or through contact with bats.

Experts have warned that all bats living in Australia may carry Lyssavirus, and therefore, people should avoid any contact with bats altogether. In particular, bats should never be touched with bare hands.

James Gilkerson, an infectious disease expert at the University of Melbourne, explained, "Australian Bat Lyssavirus is very similar to rabies," and added, "If not treated promptly after infection, it is fatal." The NSW Health Department emphasized, "If bitten or scratched by a bat, immediately wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes, apply an antiviral disinfectant, and then receive rabies immunoglobulin and vaccination."

The NSW health authorities are investigating whether Mr. A received treatment immediately after being bitten by the bat and whether his underlying health conditions may have influenced the infection.