SYDNEY: Australian authorities have urged the public to avoid touching bats following a sharp increase in reported bites and scratches, raising concerns about potential exposure to the rare and potentially fatal Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV).
According to New South Wales (NSW) Health, 43 incidents involving bat bites or scratches were reported in northern parts of the state between September 28 and October 10, compared with just 10 incidents during the same period last year.
The reported incidents occurred across the Hunter region, Mid North Coast, northern New South Wales and Central Coast.
Health experts have warned that Australian bat lyssavirus is closely related to the rabies virus and can cause a fatal illness in humans. Once symptoms develop, the disease is almost always fatal, and there is no effective treatment available at that stage.
However, prompt medical care and preventive vaccination following potential exposure can help prevent the disease from developing.
Kira Glasgow, Director of Health Protection at NSW Health, urged the public to assume that any bat could carry Australian bat lyssavirus.
She stressed that the virus poses a serious risk to human health because of its close relationship with rabies.
Authorities have advised residents not to touch, capture or handle bats, including those that appear injured or distressed.
Anyone bitten or scratched by a bat should immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and seek urgent medical attention. Healthcare professionals can assess the exposure and arrange appropriate preventive treatment.
Officials have emphasised that prompt action after a potential exposure is essential to reducing the risk of this dangerous infection.