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First NSW Death From Australian Bat Lyssavirus Confirmed

NSW Health is investigating potential additional exposures with a focus on urgent post-exposure treatment under strict bat-handling protocols.

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Overview

  • A man in his 50s from northern New South Wales died several months after a bat bite, marking the state’s first case and Australia’s fourth fatal ABLV infection.
  • Australian bat lyssavirus is a rare lyssavirus endemic to local bats and closely related to rabies, posing no risk through casual proximity.
  • The virus transmits when infected bat saliva enters broken skin or mucous membranes via bites, scratches, or saliva contact.
  • Once neurological symptoms develop, ABLV is invariably fatal as there is no effective treatment available.
  • Health officials stress immediate wound washing followed by rabies immunoglobulin and vaccine series and advise that only trained, vaccinated professionals handle bats.