In Australia, a man in his fifties died after having contracted a virus very close to that of rage. He was contaminated by the bite of a bat several months ago. This virus, the Lyssavirus, is present in the saliva of infected bats and is transmitted to humans during a bite or a scratch.
“We express our sincere condolences to family and friends “ deceased “For their tragic loss. Although it is extremely rare to see a case of Lyssavirus of Australian bats, there is no effective treatment against it”wrote the New South Wales Health Service, in a press release.
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This week, the patient was hospitalized in critical condition. “”This is a tragic situation. The man was bitten by a bat several months ago and received care following his injury. A more in -depth survey is underway to determine if other exhibitions or factors have played a role in his illness“explains Keira Glasgow, director of health protection at the NSW Health. Before adding:”We know that 118 people had to undergo a medical assessment after being bitten or scratched by bats in 2024, but this is the first confirmed case of the virus in South and Fourth Cases in Australia“.
Wash well
She recalls that it is extremely rare that the virus is transmitted to humans “But once the symptoms of Lyssavirus appear in people scratched or bitten by an infected bat, unfortunately there is no effective treatment“. Symptoms resemble those of flu since the virus manifests itself in headache, fever, fatigue, etc.
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To avoid the risk of contamination, it recommends that the general public not interact with bats. In case of bite or scratch, it is advisable to wash the wound carefully for 15 minutes in water and soap, to apply an antiseptic with antiviral action, such as betadine, and let dry. You must then quickly consult a doctor.
