How Aussie -Man died of a rare virus months after he was bitten by a bat

New details have emerged about the tragic death of one New South Wales Man who has contracted the Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV).

The Northern NSW man, in the 1950s, was bitten while trying to free a captured bat in October 2024.

He received first treatment but developed symptoms months later and became seriously ill, according to the Daily Telegraaf.

He died in the hospital this week and became The first confirmed case of the virus in NSW and the fourth in Australia.

The other three cases also died, including an eight -year -old Queensland Boy in 2013.

Further research is underway to determine whether other exposures or factors have contributed to the man’s death.

“We express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the man for their tragic loss,” said a spokesperson for the NSW Health.

As a result of renewed warnings, the tragedy to prevent you from touching or handling bats.

A man died nine months after he tried to free a captured bat (stock image)

The deadly virus has no well -known remedy.

ABLV is closely related to the rabies virus and is usually transmitted by the bite or scratch of an infected animal.

‘Try not to save this when a bat is injured or injured in need. Contact experts from your local Wildlife Rescue Group, who has trained staff who can handle bats safely, said NSW Health.

There is no effective treatment for ABLV or Rabies as soon as the symptoms begin, so that prevention through avoidance and vaccination after exposure is crucial.

It is known that large colonies of indigenous bats live in various areas in Sydney, including Centennial Park, Burnt Bridge Creek in Balgowlah and Parramatta Park.

Veterinarian Dr. Alison Peel from the University of Sydney told The Daily Telegraph that the virus remains ‘exceptionally rare’, ” found in ‘less than 0.5 percent of the total bat population. ‘

Dr. Peel explained that transmission to people only takes place when “a bat bites or someone scratches and transmits saliva in a wound.”

Despite the low infection rate, she emphasized the need for caution and people told people to assume that all bats wear the virus and do not touch them.

NSW Health has encouraged people not to process bats, even if they seem saddened

The sentiment was reflected by NSW Health Director Keira Glasgow.

“It is incredibly rare for the virus to go to humans, but as soon as the symptoms of Lyssavirus start with people who are scratched or bitten by an infected bat, there is unfortunately no effective treatment,” she said on Wednesday.

NSW Health advises that everyone who is bitten by a bat must wash the wound with soap and water thoroughly for at least 15 minutes.

After cleaning you apply an anti-viral properties, such as Povidon Jodium (eg betadine), iodine tincture, watery iodine solution, chlorhexidine or alcohol with at least 70 percent ethanol.

Finally, you must seek medical help for the right wound care as soon as possible and evaluate your risk of infection.

NSW Health says that everyone who sees a bat in need, wounded or trapped on the ground should not try to save it and instead calls threads trained on 1300 094 737.

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