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09 November 2007 Lyssavirus risk - don't touch bats
NSW Health has today issued a warning against handling bats or touching any feral animal when travelling overseas given the threat of deadly viruses that can be passed on from bites and scratches. In the last four weeks, NSW Health has issued 17 courses of vaccine to treat people who have either been bitten or scratched by bats at home or by animals when travelling in other countries. NSW Health's Director of Communicable Diseases, Dr Jeremy McAnulty, advises that people should avoid all contact with bats, and especially any contact with feral animals when overseas, as there is always the possibility of being scratched or bitten and contracting Lyssavirus or rabies. "Australia is lucky not to have rabies in animals. However, in many countries rabies is carried by a range of animals, including dogs, bats, monkeys and racoons. When overseas, you should not approach these animals, because a bite or scratch can be deadly," Dr McAnulty said. Dr McAnulty said Lyssavirus, associated with bat bites, is related to but slightly different from the rabies virus. Both diseases can be very serious and if not treated may be fatal. "Many people in NSW are bitten by bats each year. Everyone should assume that all bats and flying foxes are infectious, regardless of whether the animal looks sick or not," said Dr McAnulty. "When a bat is injured or in distress do not attempt to rescue it. Only people who have been fully vaccinated against Lyssavirus and rabies, use protective equipment and have been trained in bat handling should go near bats. Dr McAnulty recommends that if you are bitten or scratched by any type of bat in NSW, or by an animal overseas, you should:
If you come across an injured bat, contact the experts at WIRES on 1 3000 WIRES (1300 094 737)
Related links:For more information on Lyssavirus and Rabies:http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/factsheets/infectious/rabiesbatinfection.html For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au |
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