In Queensland, potential exposure to ABLV is notifiable by the treating medical clinician. ABLV is spread when the saliva of an infected bat enters the human body, usually via a bite or scratch. Exposure to bat saliva may also occur via the eyes, nose, or mouth, or a pre-existing break in the skin. All bats in Australia, including flying foxes and microbats have the potential to transmit ABLV.
Key points:
- NSW Health has recently confirmed a case of Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) encephalitis in a northern NSW resident. This is the first human case in Australia since 2013.
- ABLV in humans is rare and invariably fatal.
- Anyone who is bitten or scratched by a bat should seek urgent medical assessment.
Contact your public health unit for further advice and access to post exposure treatment options
Management:
- Conduct an urgent risk assessment (see link to flowchart below) to determine if there is a need to commence post exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
- PEP includes administration of the rabies vaccine and/or human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG).
- PEP should be considered regardless of the time interval since any potential exposure to ABLV.
- Report any potential exposures by telephone to your local public health unit urgently.
- Regular wound management and other measures, such as tetanus vaccination should be considered following a bat scratch or bite.
Other public messages:
- Only trained and vaccinated wildlife carers should handle sick or injured bats.
- Report distressed or injured bats to RSPCA (1300 ANIMAL), Department of Environment and Science (1300 130 372), or local wildlife care groups rescuers/carers.
Further information:
- Australian Immunisation Handbook
- Rabies and other Lyssavirus CDNA National Guidelines for Public Health Units
- Clinician flow chart - ABLV (Potential Exposure)
- Queensland Health fact sheet - ABLV
