Northern Territory residents and visitors are being reminded to avoid contact with all types of bats following the detection of the deadly Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) in a Top End flying fox. This is the second bat to test positive to the virus in recent months and only the third ever in the NT, the first being in 1997, but highlights that the virus is present and a risk. Any flying fox or bat in the NT should be treated as a potential carrier of the disease and close contact avoided.
ABLV is similar to rabies and affects the nervous system causing fatal encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
There has been no transmission of the virus to humans in the NT. However, there have been three cases of human ABLV infection in Australia, all in Queensland and all died as a result of ABLV infection after being bitten by bats.
The virus is usually transmitted from bats to people through bites or scratches, or by being exposed to bat saliva through the eyes, nose or mouth.
Contact or exposure to bat fur, faeces, urine or blood does not pose a risk of exposure to ABLV, nor does living, playing or walking near bat roosting areas. However any direct contact with bats increases the risk of potential injury and should be avoided.
Dr Vicki Krause, Director Centre for Disease Control reminds everyone that “the best protection against being exposed to ABLV is to avoid handling or rescuing any bats—including flying foxes and insect-eating micro bats. The safe option is to call people who are experts in the field of animal rescue to attend to an injured bat.”
Only people who have been vaccinated against ABLV with the rabies vaccine and who have been trained in the care of bats should ever handle bats.
If you find a sick or injured bat, or if your pet catches a bat, do not attempt to rescue or dispose of it. Contact Wildcare NT on 8988 6121 for assistance.
If a bat becomes disorientated and flies into your home, turn on an outside light, switch off the indoor lights and wait for the bat to fly outside.
If you are scratched or bitten by a bat you should wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least five minutes, apply an antiseptic solution and cover the wound. Seek medical attention immediately as a scratch or bite requires immunisation to prevent any potential of infection and the deadly disease. For direct contact with bat saliva through the eyes, nose or mouth thoroughly flush the area with water and seek immediate medical advice. These measures are important regardless of previous vaccination, severity of the wound or whether or not the bat appears sick.
Bats that have scratched or bitten a human should be tested where possible, without placing yourself or others at further risk of exposure. Contact the Centre for Disease Control in Darwin on 8922 8044 to arrange testing of the bat. For further information go to: http://www.health.nt.gov.au/Centre_for_Disease_Control/Publications/CDC_Factsheets/index.aspx
Media Contact: Dimitra Grehl 8999 2745 or 0427 596 954