A man who contracted a rare and deadly virus after he was bitten by a bat has died.
The man aged in his 50s, from northern NSW ended up in hospital in a critical condition with bat lyssavirus, a ‘rabies-like infection’ which affects the central nervous system.
It was the first confirmed case of the virus in NSW, and the fourth case in Australia, according to authorities.
The man, who contracted the virus several months ago, has since died in hospital, NSW Health confirmed on Thursday.
Further investigation is underway to establish whether other exposures or factors contributed to his death.
‘We express our sincere condolences to the man’s family and friends for their tragic loss,’ a spokesperson said.
The tragedy has prompted renewed warnings to avoid touching or handling bats.
The deadly virus has no known cure.
A man who contracted a rare virus from bats has died in hospital
‘While it is extremely rare to see a case of Australian bat lyssavirus, there is no effective treatment for it,’ NSW Health said.
‘NSW Health reminds the community to avoid touching or handling bats, as any bat in Australia could carry lyssavirus.
‘It is crucial that anyone bitten or scratched by a bat seek urgent medical assessment.’
If you receive a bite or scratch from a bat, you must immediately wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes and apply an antiseptic with antivirus action, such as Betadine, and allow it to dry.
You will then require treatment with rabies immunoglobulin and rabies vaccine.
Lyssavirus is transmitted from infected bats to humans when the virus in bat saliva enters the body through a bat bite or scratch.
The virus has been found in species of flying foxes, fruit bats and insect-eating microbats.
Symptoms include paralysis, delirium, convulsions and death.
The deadly virus has been found in species of flying foxes, fruit bats (pictured) and insect-eating microbats
