Flying fox with lyssavirus found at Hervey Bay

Anybody on the Fraser Coast who could have had contact with the flying fox has been urged to contact their doctor or the Wide Bay health service.

Health officials have confirmed that a black flying fox found at Urangan on the Fraser Coast has tested positive for Australian bat lyssavirus, a virus that causes fatal disease in humans.

Health officials have confirmed that a black flying fox found at Urangan on the Fraser Coast has tested positive for Australian bat lyssavirus, a virus that causes fatal disease in humans.

Wide Bay Public Health Unit Director and Public Health Physician Dr Josette Chor said “anyone who could have had contact with this bat is urged to contact their GP and to ask the GP to contact the Wide Bay Public Health Unit immediately”.

The sick bat was found after a trained– and vaccinated — carer rescued it from a palm tree, after it was washed off a roof on Pulgul Street.

One to seven per cent of bats carry the deadly disease, according to a survey on wild bat populations.

“A bat could appear healthy while carrying the virus, so we urge people not to touch or attempt to pick up any flying fox or microbats even if they appear dead,” Dr Chor said.

“You should always assume that any bat in Australia – whether it’s sick, injured or healthy – could be infectious with lyssavirus.

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“Anyone who has been scratched or bitten by a bat should urgently seek treatment to prevent the lethal disease – no matter how small the wound, and even if there is no visible wound,” she said.

“Please go to the emergency department at Hervey Bay Hospital or Bundaberg Hospital for immediate prophylactic treatment if you are in Wide Bay region.”

“Or alternatively, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) to seek advice.”