Seven South Coast residents have received preventative treatment for a rabies-like virus following high-risk exposures to bats this year.
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Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District public health director Curtis Gregory said 20 more residents had required the post exposure prophylaxis in 2016 for exposure to other animals – mainly through travel.
‘’Throughout NSW, more than 400 residents have been given the preventative treatment this year – with around a quarter having been bitten or scratched by a bat in Australia and the others having come into contact with potentially rabies-infected animals overseas,’’ he said.
‘’In the Illawarra Shoalhaven region 27 cases have required intervention – with seven due to bat exposure and the rest through exposure to monkeys, dogs or other animals while travelling overseas.’’
Mr Gregory said with the beginning of bat breeding season, it was a timely reminder for residents to not approach or handle injured bats and flying foxes to avoid exposure to the potentially fatal lyssavirus, which is closely related to the rabies virus.
There have been three cases of lyssavirus in humans in Australia – all in Queensland – and all three people died.
‘’Lyssavirus has flu-like symptoms such as fever and fatigue, and once a person has the symptoms they rapidly degenerate and there is no treatment,’’ Mr Gregory said.
‘’So the first thing is prevention – avoid contact with bats as it’s only when you get bitten or scratched that you are at risk. If you are bitten or scratched, it’s really important you clean the wound thoroughly for at least five minutes with soap and water, apply an antiseptic such as Betadine and seek urgent medical advice.
‘’If you are at risk of infection, you may require treatment consisting of a combination of rabies immunoglobulin and rabies vaccine.’’
Mr Gregory said residents would be aware of local bat colonies along the South Coast, while bats also migrated through the area.
‘’Mostly they’re well contained – the only risk comes through handling,’’ he said. ‘’During breeding season, some babies may fall on the ground while extreme heat can also affect bats. Always assume they’re infectious and don’t try to pick them up.’’
Instead call WIRES on 1300 094 737.
