Fear of deadly lyssavirus as sick bats fall to the ground

Extreme heat is causing sick bats to fall out of the sky, triggering Queensland Health to issue a warning of the dangers of catching deadly lyssavirus, for which there is no treatment.

Extreme heat is causing sick bats to fall out of the sky, triggering Queensland Health to issue a warning of the dangers of catching deadly lyssavirus, for which there is no treatment.

Flying Fox Paralysis Syndrome (FFPS) is occurring across South East Queensland which, along with the extreme heat, is leading to unwell bats being found on the ground and in people’s yards.

Queensland Chief Health Officer Heidi Carroll said it was important to never touch bats, even if they are injured or sick, as they could transmit the deadly lyssavirus.

“It’s important to remember that lyssavirus is fatal in humans and there is no known effective treatment once symptoms have started,” Dr Carroll said.

“The infection can cause paralysis, delirium, convulsions and even death. That’s why it’s important to seek urgent medical help, even if some time has passed.

“There are preventive treatments like vaccines that are available if you have been exposed but the key is getting that treatment as soon as possible to avoid symptoms developing.”

Flying foxes carry lyssavirus, which is potentially deadly to humans and has no known cure. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Historically, of the three recorded deaths from lyssavirus in the country, two were in Queensland.

A woman died in 1998 and an eight-year-old boy in 2013 after being bitten or scratched by a bat.

Lyssavirus is a close relative of the rabies virus.

Dr Carroll said it was important for families with children to educate them on the dangers of handling a bat found on the ground, including the backyard, in summer.

“If you think your child may have been bitten or scratched, wash the wound immediately with soap and clean water for at least five minutes to reduce the risk of infection,” she said.

“If you have antiseptic, apply that to the wound after you have washed it. But please see a doctor as soon as you can.”

If you find an injured bat or flying fox, contact the RSPCA (1300 ANIMAL) or your local wildlife care group.

More information about human health and bats is available through Queensland Health.

Volunteer organisation Bat Conservation and Rescue Queensland reports that while Far North Queensland bats may be impacted by the extreme heat it is the paralysis syndrome that is causing the problems in South East Queensland.

Their volunteers can be contacted on the 24/7 hotline [phone] (www.bats.org.au)

Originally published as Fear of deadly lyssavirus as sick bats fall to the ground