Authorities believe man who died from bat virus bitten on finger last year

Authorities believe the man was bitten in October while trying to free a trapped bat in northern NSW, in what is the state’s first documented case of lyssavirus.

Health authorities believe the man who died from a type of rabies was bitten by a trapped bat he was trying to free almost nine months ago.

The man in his 50s sadly passed away after being confirmed as NSW’s first case of lyssavirus, a rare infection found in Australian fruit bats and flying foxes.

It’s understood preliminary investigations have determined the man was bitten on the finger in October last year.

NSW Health has already confirmed he had received initial “treatment”, but this week he was in a critical condition after developing symptoms.

The man’s tragic death has prompted a range of experts to issue a warning about all bats: “don’t panic, but don’t touch”.

Flying foxes hang in a tree in the Centennial Park fruit bat colony at dusk. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

With Sydney hosting large colonies of the native species – including at Centennial Park, Balgowlah’s Burnt Bridge Creek, and Parramatta Park – veterinarian Dr Alison Peel from Sydney University insisted lyssavirus was “exceptionally rare” and present in “less than 0.5 per cent of the total bat population”.

“The only way that it can pass from a bat to a human is if the bat bites or scratches somebody and transfers that saliva into a wound,” Dr Peel told The Saturday Telegraph. “But when approached, their intent is generally to get away from people if they come too close”

Storm Stanford from WIRES urged the public to not ‘intervene’ if they find an injured or trapped bat. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

However, she warned it was “safest to assume that any bat you come across may have the virus – so don’t touch it”.

NSW Health has advised lyssavirus presents with early “flu-like symptoms, including headache, fever and fatigue” before the illness progresses to paralysis, delirium, convulsions and death.

Professor Nick Zwar from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) said it was crucial for anyone who had been bitten or scratched by a bat to seek immediate medical treatment.

“Wash the wound with water and soap for 15 minutes, and then go and seek advice from your doctor,” Prof Zwar said.

“The post-exposure treatment is also very effective. It’s a blood product followed by several doses of the rabies vaccine.”

Storm Stanford, from WIRES, urged the public to contact the rescue organisation if they discovered an injured or trapped flying fox.

“Most people’s immediate intention is to help the animal. But don’t intervene, even if you find a pup,” Ms Stanford said.

“Ring WIRES. We are vaccinated, wear gloves and loose clothing, and have training in how to handle them.”

Government data shows 118 people required medical assessment after being bitten or scratched by bats last year.

Lyssavirus was first discovered in Australia in 1996 and has since killed four people, including an eight-year-old Queensland boy in 2013.

Originally published as Authorities believe man who died from bat virus bitten on finger last year