Australian bat lyssavirus

Australian bat lyssavirus (ABL) is a rabies-like virus that can be transmitted to humans, causing serious illness and death. It was first identified in Australia in 1996. ABL is carried by both fruit bats (also known as flying foxes) and insectivorous bats.

Transmission

ABL is transmitted to humans through bites or scratches from infected bats. It can also be contracted if the virus comes into contact with a person's eyes, nose or mouth, or enters the body through a break in the skin.

Symptoms

The symptoms of ABL are similar to those of rabies and may include fever, headache, lethargy, agitation, confusion, and difficulty swallowing. As the disease progresses, it can cause paralysis, delirium, convulsions, and death.

Prevention

Prevention of ABL involves avoiding contact with bats. If a person is bitten or scratched by a bat, immediate treatment with rabies immunoglobulin and a series of rabies vaccine injections can prevent the onset of symptoms and death.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for ABL once symptoms have appeared. Treatment involves supportive care and management of symptoms.

See also

• Rabies
• Zoonosis
• Lyssavirus