Lyssavirus is uncommon but fatal. What should you do if the bat bites you?

A man over 50 years senior He died of Lyssavirus In Modern South Wales a few months ago bitten by a bat.

This is the fourth human case of Lyssavirus BAT and the first confirmed case in the NSW since the first identification of the virus in 1996 in a black flying fox in Queensland.

So what is Lyssavirus? And how can you protect yourself if you come across a bat?

A close relative of rabies

The Australian Lyssavirus bat belongs to Rhabdoviridae Family, the same group of viruses that causes rabies.

Bats prevail primarily. Dynamic suggests monitoring However, less than 1% of robust bats wear a virus The occurrence increases to 5-10% in patients or injured bats.

In bats, the virus often does not cause any obvious symptoms, although some show neurological symptoms such as confusion, aggression, muscle cramps and paralysis. Some will die.

Virus has been confirmed In all four species of flying continental foxes (Pteropus Alecto, P. Poliocephalus, P. Scapulatus and P. Concpilatus) and a bat of yellow pain (Sacolavus flaviventris), species of microorganisms.

However, serological evidence – in which scientists test the blood in the blood of bats – suggest that other microorganisms may also be susceptible. Therefore, we should be careful with all Australian bats species As for Lyssavirus.

Sporadic, but potentially fatal

Unlike rabies, which causes about 59,000 human people a yearMainly in Africa and Asia, Lyssavirus Bat’s human infection is extremely uncommon.

Australian Lyssavirus bat, as the name suggests, is unique to Australia. But other bats, such as European bats liessavirus rare human infections.

Human infection with Lyssavirus Direct contact with the infected saliva of the bat by bites, scratches or open skin. It can also occur if Our mucous membranes (Eyes, nose, lips) Bats are exposed to saliva.

There is no risk associated with faeces of bats, urine, blood or free closeness of the nests.

If someone has been disclosed, there is a period of incubation that may include weeks to over two years. During this time, the virus slowly moves through the body’s nerves to the brain, remaining hidden and free from symptoms.

Virus treatment during incubation can prevent disease. But if this is not treated, the symptoms are solemn and invariably fatal.

The nature of the disease in humans reflects rageStarting with flu symptoms (fever, headache, fatigue), and then quickly moves to a solemn neurological disease, including paralysis, delirium, convulsions and loss of consciousness. Death generally goes inside 1-2 weeks of symptoms.

All four registered human cases in Australia – Three at Queensland (in 1996, 1998 and 2013) i NSW last thing – They were fatal.

There is no effective treatment after the development of symptoms

If someone is potentially exposed to a bat and seek medical facilitate, you can treat him Prevention after exposureconsisting of rabies and rabies vaccine.

This intervention is highly effective if it is immediately initiated-best within 48 hours and no later than seven days after the exposure-the virus will enter the central nervous system.

But after the development of symptoms, there is no effective treatment of Australian Lyssavirus bat. Emerging research on Monoclonal antibodies It offers potential future therapies, but they are not yet available.

So what is the best protection? What if the bat bites you?

It is recommended to vaccinate rabies vaccination before exposure, covering three doses in one month for high risk groups. This includes veterinarians, animal carers, wild nature rehabilitators and laboratory employees serving Lizsavirus.

It is crucial that society members can avoid all direct contact with bats. Only vaccinated, trained specialists, such as guardians of wild nature or veterinarians, should deal with bats.

Public education campaigns are necessary to reduce risky interactions, especially in areas populated by the bat.

If you are bitten or scratched by a bat, it is crucial to act immediately. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutesApply antiseptic (such as Betadin) and look for urgent medical facilitate.

This tragic case in the NSW emphasizes that although the unusually uncommon Lizsavirus bat is an crucial threat to public health. We need to see increased social awareness and ensure vaccination to high -risk groups, as well as ongoing BAT monitoring and research on fresh treatment methods.