NSW Health has issued a warning to residents not to touch bats following the death of a man in his 50’s from Northern NSW.
The man was the first confirmed case of lyssavirus in NSW and had been bitten by a bat several months ago and received treatment following the injury with NSW Health investigating if other exposures or factors contributed to the man’s infection.
Director in Health Protection at NSW Health Keira Glasgow says it’s incredibly rare for the virus to transmit to humans, but once symptoms of lyssavirus start in people who are scratched or bitten by an infected bat, sadly there is no effective treatment.
Ms Glasgow advised if you’re bitten or scratched by a bat, seek urgent medical assessment, also wash the wound thoroughly for 15 minutes right away with soap and water and apply an antiseptic with anti-virus action, such as betadine, and allow it to dry.
