Australian man dies after catching a horrific virus spread by bats: NSW Health issues urgent warning
A man who contracted a rare virus after he was bitten by a bat has died.
The man aged in his 50s, from northern NSW was rushed to hospital in a critical condition with bat lyssavirus.
It was the first confirmed case of the virus in NSW, and the fourth case in Australia, according to authorities.
He has since died in hospital, NSW Health confirmed on Thursday.
An investigation is now underway to establish whether other exposures or factors contributed to the man’s infection.
The tragedy has prompted renewed warnings about the deadly virus, which has no known cure.
‘While it is extremely rare to see a case of Australian bat lyssavirus, there is no effective treatment for it,’ NSW Health said.
‘NSW Health reminds the community to avoid touching or handling bats, as any bat in Australia could carry lyssavirus.
‘It is crucial that anyone bitten or scratched by a bat seek urgent medical assessment.
Lyssavirus is transmitted from infected bats to humans when the virus in bat saliva enters the body through a bat bite or scratch.
Symptoms include paralysis, delirium, convulsions and death.
