What is Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV)?

Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) is a virus that can spread from bats to humans, causing serious illness. Australian bat lyssavirus is closely related to the rabies virus, which is another type of lyssavirus.

Australian bat lyssavirus infection is very rare. Only 4 cases of Australian bat lyssavirus infections in humans have been recorded in Australia. Three cases have been in Queensland and one in NSW. However, Australian bat lyssavirus infection is fatal (causes death) if it is not treated.

What are the symptoms of Australian bat lyssavirus infection?

Australian bat lyssavirus symptoms are similar to those caused by rabies.

At first, symptoms of Australian bat lyssavirus infection are like those of the flu. They include:

• headache
• fever
• fatigue (tiredness)

The illness then rapidly progresses to paralysis, delirium (a sudden change in your thinking and behaviour), seizures and death within 1 to 2 weeks.

Symptoms may start at any time from a few days to several years after contact with the virus.

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What causes Australian bat lyssavirus infection?

Australian bat lyssavirus is found in Australian bats. Australian bat lyssavirus can be passed from bats to humans via a bite or scratch from an infected bat.

Any bat in Australia, including flying foxes and fruit bats, can potentially carry Australian bat lyssavirus. The behaviour or appearance of a bat is not a good guide as to whether it is carrying the virus.

Australian bat lyssavirus has not been found in bats outside of Australia. However, overseas bats can carry and transmit other lyssaviruses, including rabies.

Australian bat lyssavirus is spread from infected bats to people through bites or scratches. It can also be spread if the bat's saliva comes into contact with your:

• eyes
• nose
• mouth
• broken skin

Living, playing or walking near bat roosting areas does not pose a risk of contracting Australian bat lyssavirus.

Australian bat lyssavirus isn't passed on through contact with bat:

• faeces (poo)
• urine
• blood

Who is at risk from Australian bat lyssavirus infection?

People who handle bats in Australia are at risk of Australian bat lyssavirus infection.

When should I see my doctor?

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How is Australian bat lyssavirus infection diagnosed?

Your doctor will talk with you about what happened and whether you have any symptoms. Your doctor may:

• test your saliva
• do blood tests
• take a biopsy (a small sample of skin) from the back of your neck
• test your spinal fluid with a lumbar puncture

Australian bat lyssavirus is a nationally notifiable disease. This means that if you have Australian bat lyssavirus, your doctor will tell your local public health authority.

How is Australian bat lyssavirus infection treated?

If you are bitten or scratched by a bat in Australia, you should immediately:

• wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes
• apply an antiseptic with anti-virus action such as povidone-iodine, iodine tincture, aqueous iodine solution or alcohol (ethanol) after washing
• get medical help as soon as possible

The doctor will care for your wound and assess whether you are at risk of Australian bat lyssavirus infection.

Even if you have had the rabies vaccine, you should follow these steps. There is no treatment for Australian bat lyssavirus infection once symptoms have started.

If you are at risk of Australian bat lyssavirus infection, you may need treatment. This consists of a combination of rabies immunoglobulin and rabies vaccine.

If you have not been vaccinated previously, you will need an injection of rabies immunoglobulin as soon as possible. You will also get a series of either 4 or 5 rabies vaccine injections over one month.

If you have been vaccinated against rabies before, you will need 2 further doses of vaccine.

If you have been bitten on the head or neck, you will need to be vaccinated within 48 hours.

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Can Australian bat lyssavirus infection be prevented?

You may need to be vaccinated if your work involves contact with bats and flying foxes. Talk to your doctor before beginning work with animals to ensure that you receive the right advice about vaccinations.

Otherwise, the best way to avoid Australian bat lyssavirus infection is by not touching bats. Ensure that your children know that they should not touch bats.

Only people who have been trained in handling bats and vaccinated against rabies should ever touch bats or flying foxes.

What should I do if I find an injured or dead bat?

If you find an injured bat or flying fox, do not try to rescue it. Contact your local wildlife rescue group. They will have trained staff who can deal with bats safely.

If needed, place a box or washing basket over the bat. This will help protect people in the area while you wait for someone from the rescue group. Remove any pets or children from the area around the bat.

If you find a dead bat, do not touch it. Instead, use a shovel to help dispose of it.

Australian bat lyssavirus vaccine

Vaccination is your best protection against Australian bat lyssavirus infection. Because Australian bat lyssavirus is from the same 'family', the vaccination is the same as the one given for rabies. The vaccine can be given before exposure to lyssavirus. This is called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). It can also be given post-exposure as part of your treatment.

The table below gives more information about the rabies vaccine.

When to get vaccinated?	People who have contact with bats and laboratory workers who work with live lyssaviruses should be vaccinated.
How many doses are required?	3 doses over 1 month.
How is it administered?	Injection
Is it free?	No, there is a cost for this vaccine.
Common side effects	The vaccine is very safe. Side effects may include a sore arm, swelling where the injection went in, headache or nausea.

Resources and support

If you need more advice on what to do next, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse, 24 hours, 7 days a week (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria).