Rise in infectious bats triggers health warning
BAT LYSSAVIRUS
AN unprecedented high number of Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) detections in Far North Queensland has prompted renewed calls for people to avoid contact with these animals.
Director of Tropical Public Health Services (Cairns) Dr Richard Gair said there had been 60 exposures requiring post-exposure vaccination to humans in 2017.
“All bat scratches and bites require treatment and vaccination, to guard against the development of Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) infection,” he said.
“ABLV can also be transmitted through exposure of the eyes, nose or mouth to bat saliva.”
More than 100 reported cases of potential exposure to ABLV are reported in Queensland each year, with three deaths from ABLV infection since 1996, the most recent in 2013.
“Thankfully there have been no recent cases of Australian bat lyssavirus in humans,” Dr Gair said.
Recent reports of bats dying or being abandoned in the Cairns CBD (not from ABLV) meant a risk to any people handling or removing bats from the area.
“Anyone trying to rescue or pick up a sick or injured bat is likely to be bitten or scratched, so they should seek the assistance of an experienced bat handler who has been vaccinated and is using personal protective equipment,” Dr Gair said.
Treatment and vaccination should be provided as early as possible after a bat bite or scratch, but vaccination it is still beneficial later as the disease can sometimes take years to develop.
“Prompt treatment and vaccination following a bite or scratch from a bat can prevent serious disease and death,” Dr Gair said.
Bats are often found caught on wire fences. Vaccinated wildlife rescuers and carers are trained to handle and care for bats. People should contact a rescuer or carer rather than trying to help a bat themselves.
‘‘Parents should remind children not to handle bats under any circumstance. If they do come across a bat they should leave it alone and alert an adult immediately,’’ Dr Gair said.
In the event someone is bitten or scratched by a bat or exposed to bat saliva through the eyes, nose or mouth follow the below steps:
1. Do not scrub the wound - wash the wound gently but thoroughly for about five minutes with soap and water.
2. If available, apply an antiseptic with anti-virus action such as povidone-iodine, iodine tincture, aqueous iodine solution or alcohol (ethanol).
3. If bat saliva has got in the eyes, nose or mouth, flush the area thoroughly with water.
4. Contact a doctor or the nearest hospital immediately.
Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!
* Readers are encouraged to use their full details below to ensure comment legitimacy. Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport or its staff. Comments containing unlawful, obscene, defamatory or abusive material will not be published.
