A health alert has been issued after a fatal virus was detected among a group of bats in western Sydney.
The Western Sydney Local Health District warned locals against handling or going near bats over fears humans could catch Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV).
ABLV is usually transmitted via a bite or scratch from an infected or rabid animal, and can be deadly if not treated.
The health district is urging the community to avoid handling bats over fears the Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) may be transmitted to humans.
Eleven people have required medical attention after being scratched or bitten by a bat in the region this year alone.
30 April 2021 People heading outdoors are reminded to avoid any contact with bats, after it was confirmed that two recent exposures in South Australia.
Updated: Apr 8 2021, 4:34 ET
A HORROR virus that can kill humans after triggering convulsions and paralysis has been found in bats in South Australia.
SA Health released a statement today urging locals heading outdoors to avoid any contact with bats after the discovery of the rabies-like disease .
5
The deadly virus is transmitted from bats to humans when infected bat saliva enters the bodyCredit: Getty - Contributor
5
5
A coloured micrograph showing the bullet shaped Australian Bat lyssavirus particlesCredit: Csiro / WIKIPEDIA
Dr Louise Flood, the Department for Health and Wellbeing s Communicable Disease Control Branch, said it is the third time Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABL) has been confirmed in bats in South Australia, Daily Mail Australia reports.
South Australians are being warned about the risks of the transmittable Australian Bat Lyssavirus after two concerning exposure incidents.
Both incidents occurred in Adelaide during rescues by trained fauna carers who were vaccinated.
READ MORE:
Two recent Lyssavirus exposure incidents have prompted the Department for Health and Wellbeing s Communicable Disease Control to issue a warning to communities.(Getty) ABL is a rabies-like disease that can be transmitted to humans if they are bitten or scratched by an infected bat and if treatment is delayed until after the onset of symptoms, the condition is invariably fatal, Communicable Disease Control Branch Director Dr Louise Flood said.
Bats infected with rabies-like virus can now kill humans with a single scratch dailystar.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from dailystar.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.