A fifties died in Australia of an “extremely rare” virus similar to rage, transmitted by a bat bite, the health authorities announced on Thursday.
“No effective treatment”
“We express our sincere condolences to family and friends” of the deceased “for their tragic loss”, said the health service of the Southern New Wales in a statement. “Although it is extremely rare to see a case of Lyssavirus of Australian bats, there is no effective treatment against it,” he said.
Bitten several months ago
The Australian had been bitten several months ago by a virus-carrying bat. He had been hospitalized this week in critical condition. The Lyssavirus, close to rage – which does not exist in Australia – is transmitted when the saliva of the animal enters the body by a bite or a scratch.
Symptoms that deceive
The first symptoms can take several days, even years to appear: fever, headache, fatigue. Signs that resemble those of the flu, before rapid deterioration: paralysis, delirium, convulsions and death.
Three cases since 1996
Since its identification in 1996, only three cases of human infection by the Lyssavirus of the Australian bat have been identified. Two, including that of a woman in 1998 and an eight -year -old boy in 2013, have already resulted in death, recalls the CSIRO, the Australian organization for scientific research.
Never touch bats
The Lyssavirus of Australian bats is very closely linked to rabies and will cause death in vulnerable people if they are not treated quickly,
explains James Gilkerson, expert in infectious diseases at the University of Melbourne.
South New Waler authorities warn: all Australian specimens can carry the virus. It is therefore essential not to touch them or manipulate them. In the event of a bite or scratch, the wound must immediately wash for 15 minutes with soap and water, apply an antiseptic antiviral action, then receive treatment with anti -rabic immunoglobulins and rabies vaccine.
