A man in his 50s from northern New South Wales (NSW) is in a critical condition after contracting Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), a rare and deadly virus similar to rabies. This is the first confirmed case in the state and the fourth recorded in Australia. According to New South Wales Health, the man was bitten by a bat several months ago and initially received treatment. However, he has recently developed neurological symptoms consistent with lyssavirus infection. Health authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether there were any additional exposures or contributing factors. Lyssavirus is transmitted to humans through a bite, scratch, or contact with the saliva of an infected bat, particularly if it enters broken skin or mucous membranes. The virus affects the central nervous system, and once symptoms appear, the disease progresses rapidly and is almost always fatal.
Massimo Serresi