The deadly rabies-like lyssavirus has resurfaced in the Northern Territory after 17 years, prompting the authorities to warn residents to avoid contact with bats.
A Katherine resident brought in a bat that subsequently tested positive, Centre for Disease Control acting director Dr Peter Markey told 105.7 ABC Darwin.
He said the person who found the bat had not been exposed to the virus.
“There is a certain proportion of bats that are infected with the virus,” he said.
“We send off any bat people happen to send in, usually between 6 and 12 bats a year.”
“This is the first one that has been detected positive since 1997.
“It’s a reminder the virus is in the bat population right across Australia. It’s important avoid contact with bats. If you are scratched or bitten wash the wound thoroughly and seek medical advice.”
Three deaths from lyssavirus in Australia
Three people have died from lyssavirus in Australia, with both insect-eating micro-bats and fruit bats known to be carriers.
The most recent death was that of a Queensland boy last year who had displayed symptoms several weeks after coming into contact with a bat.
Two horses in south-east Queensland also died from the disease last year.
Dr Markey said exposure to lyssavirus could be treated with the rabies vaccine.
“The lyssavirus is one of the family of the rabies virus,” he said.
“It is a nasty infection.
“Any scratches or contact with the eyes or mouth or nose is an exposure.
“The symptoms are like an encephalitis. People get headaches and fever and show confusion, unusual behaviour, malaise. That’s the way it presents.”