6 January 2010
Qld Health treats men exposed to Lyssavirus
Three men bitten by a flying fox while holidaying near the Township of 1770 in Central
Queensland will be treated after the mammal tested positive for Lyssavirus.
Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Christine Selvey said the results of tests for the virus on the
bat have come back positive.
“The men were bitten in separate incidents by a Little Red Flying Fox while at the Joseph
Banks Conservation Park near the Township of 1770 yesterday,” Dr Selvey said.
All three have returned home (to Ipswich, Hervey Bay and Agnes Water respectively) and a
course of post-exposure prophylaxis treatment is being arranged for them.
“They have been given appropriate counselling and information by an experienced public
health nurse,” she said.
“The flying fox was killed and sent to our Coopers Plains laboratory for testing. The men
are being contacted to arrange a course of prophylaxis (preventative treatment).”
Dr Selvey said Queensland Health received 77 reports of bites and/or scratches from flying
foxes or bats last year; 28 of the mammals were available for testing and five tested
positive for Australia bat lyssavirus (ABL).
“The only two known cases of ABL in humans were in the 1990s – 1996 and 1998 – and
both were fatal. Since then we have introduced routine prophylaxis for bat bites and
scratches and there have been no further cases,” Dr Selvey said.
“Most incidents like this are from people handling sick or injured flying foxes.
The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) and Queensland
Health are urging people to avoid contact with flying foxes and report any bites or scratches
to medical authorities immediately.
DERM Wildlife Director Nick Rigby said the incident serves as a timely reminder to avoid
contact with flying foxes and report any scratches or bites immediately to medical
authorities.
Biosecurity Queensland Principal Veterinary Scientist Dr Janine Barrett said this behaviour
is consistent with flying foxes affected by the Australian lyssavirus.
“It is highly unusual for bats to approach people. It is also unusual that it was out at the day
time away from a roosting site,” Dr Barrett said.
“There were no other bats in the immediate area; the nearest colony is 10 kilometres away.
“If someone comes across an injured or sick bat, they should not touch it but contact the
Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM: Phone 1300 130 372).
“They can put people in contact with a licensed and fully-vaccinated wildlife rescuer who is
trained to handle and care for wildlife including bats,” she said.
Prompt treatment following a bat scratch or bite can prevent this serious disease.
There is no significant risk of exposure from living, playing or walking near bat roosting
areas.
A bat bite, scratch or mucous membrane exposure to bat saliva is necessary to transmit the
virus. Bats do not usually approach humans, more commonly bat scratches or bites occur if
someone is trying to ‘rescue’ an injured, sick or distressed bat.
First Aid advice for anyone bitten or scratched by a bat or exposed to bat saliva through the
eyes, nose or mouth:
1.
Do not scrub the wound. Wash the wound gently but thoroughly for around five
minutes with soap and water. If available, an antiseptic with anti-virus action such as
povidone-iodine, iodine tincture, aqueous iodine solution or alcohol (ethanol) should
be applied after washing.
2.
If bat saliva has got in the eyes, nose or mouth, flush the area thoroughly with water.
3.
Contact a doctor or the nearest hospital immediately. Treatment involves a course of
vaccinations that is necessary to protect the person against ABL. If the bat is
available and tested and the results are negative for ABL, the course of vaccinations
will not be required.
For more information visit health.qld.gov.au or call 13 HEALTH (13 432 584).
Media contact: Kerry White Ph: 3225 2754
For further information from Department of Environment and Resource Management Media
Services Ph: 3224 7792 or email media@derm.qld.gov.au
NEWS 
