What is Australian bat lyssavirus? Can I catch it from bat poo? What if bats roost near me?

What is Bat Lyssavirus?

Australian bat lyssavirus belongs to the same group of viruses that includes rabies – one of the most notorious diseases humans can catch from animals. Rabies causes about 59,000 deaths worldwide a year, mainly after dog bites. It is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

Australian bat lyssavirus was discovered in 1996. There have been only three confirmed cases of the virus in humans in Australia, the most recent in 2013. All three were fatal.

How could I be exposed to the virus?

The virus is present in the saliva of some Australian bats, including the large flying foxes (fruit-eating bats) and some smaller bats that eat insects. But the proportion of bats infected by the virus is normally very low – less than 0.5%.

Infected bats may become sick and die, but some may appear unaffected. In other words, you can’t always tell just by looking at a bat whether it’s infected or not. However, there is evidence the virus is present at a higher level in sick bats than in healthy ones.

You cannot be exposed to the virus by being under a flying fox roost, even if the bats poo on you. You cannot be exposed by having bats in your roof or in a shed.

What are the symptoms of the virus?

There are no specific symptoms of Australian bat lyssavirus. If a person is bitten or scratched by an infected bat and the virus enters their body, they may not show any symptoms at all. If the virus does cause symptoms, they can include fever, headache, and fatigue, followed by confusion, agitation, and possibly even death.

How is the virus treated?

Preventative treatments are highly effective in preventing disease and saving lives. If a person is bitten or scratched by an infected bat and the virus enters their body, they should seek medical attention immediately. The healthcare provider will likely administer a series of injections with rabies immune globulin and an antiviral medication.

How great is the risk?

It is important to put the risk posed by Australian bat lyssavirus into perspective. Although each of the three deaths known to have been caused by the virus since 1996 is tragic, in 2017-2018 alone, 12 people in Australia died from bee or wasp stings.

Bats play an important role in our ecosystems. Without the pollination and pest control services bats provide, our increasingly fragmented native forests would struggle to recover after fires, and we’d need to use more pesticides on our crops. There is also no evidence bat lyssaviruses are increasing in Australian bat populations.

Is the risk to humans changing?

However, as we encroach upon natural habitats via land clearing we are likely to have increased contact with wildlife, including bats. Mass mortality events in bats in Australia – such as those in recent years caused by extreme heat or bat paralysis syndrome (thought to be caused by bats ingesting an environmental toxin) – are likely to lead to increased contact between people, their pets and vulnerable bats.

The risk to human health is therefore likely increasing, albeit from a very low level.

What should I do?

First, don’t panic. Infection is extraordinarily rare and will continue to be so.

Second, don’t interfere with bat populations. Do not pick up sick or injured bats and do not allow your children or pets to play with them. Keep your pets inside at night to minimise potential contact with bats.

Third, if you or a member of your family is bitten or scratched by a bat, or suspect you have been, seek medical attention, including post-exposure treatment. People who regularly handle bats, such as wildlife carers or researchers, should be vaccinated in advance. They are also trained to handle bats safely and use appropriate personal protection equipment.

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FAQs

Q: How can I get infected with Australian bat lyssavirus?

A: You can get infected with Australian bat lyssavirus if you are bitten or scratched by an infected bat.

Q: What are the symptoms of the virus?

A: The symptoms of the virus are fever, headache, and fatigue, followed by confusion, agitation, and possibly even death.

Q: How is the virus treated?

A: The virus is treated with preventative treatments, including injections with rabies immune globulin and an antiviral medication.

Q: How great is the risk?

A: The risk posed by Australian bat lyssavirus is very low, but it is increasing due to increased contact with wildlife, including bats.

Q: What should I do if I find a sick or injured bat?

A: If you find a sick or injured bat, contact your local wildlife rehabilitation group or veterinarian. Do not pick up the bat yourself, as this can increase the risk of infection.