Overview

• An unnamed man in his 50s from northern New South Wales died this week after being hospitalized in critical condition with neurological symptoms.
• Lyssavirus is a bat-borne rhabdovirus related to rabies that is transmitted when infected bat saliva enters wounds through bites or scratches.
• Incubation can range from days to years, beginning with flu-like signs followed by rapid neurological decline including delirium, paralysis and seizures.
• Since its discovery in 1996 Australia has recorded four human Lyssavirus cases, all fatal, with the previous three occurring in Queensland.
• New South Wales Health advises immediate 15-minute wound washing with soap and water followed by antiviral disinfectant application plus prompt rabies immunoglobulin with vaccination as post-exposure prophylaxis.