A man in his 50s has died after contracting the first recorded case of Australian bat lyssavirus in New South Wales. The rabies-like virus is extremely rare and has no effective treatment once symptoms develop.
The man was bitten by a bat several months ago in northern NSW and received medical treatment at the time, according to NSW Health. The department confirmed his death on Thursday and urged the public to avoid touching or handling bats.
Australian bat lyssavirus is a close relative of the rabies virus and can be transmitted through bites or scratches from infected bats. While treatment is available immediately after exposure, there is no cure once symptoms appear, which can include paralysis, delirium, and convulsions.
NSW Health emphasised that the risk to the general public remains low but stressed the importance of not handling bats. Anyone who finds a sick or injured bat is advised to contact a wildlife rescue organisation or a veterinarian.
