Australia is facing a potential resurgence of a rare bat virus after a grandmother displayed symptoms following a bite from the animal during her holiday. Known as lyssavirus, this deadly virus can be transmitted to humans through bites, scratches, or exposure to an infected bat’s saliva.
Early signs of lyssavirus infection include flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, and fatigue. However, the virus quickly progresses to more severe symptoms like paralysis, delirium, and convulsions, often leading to death within a week or two.
Since its discovery in 1996, there have been only three recorded cases of human infection with Rabies virus and Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) in Queensland. Unfortunately, the mortality rate for this virus in Australia is 100%.
Sandi Galloway, from Geelong, was enjoying a trip to Cairns with her husband Gordon when she was attacked by the bat
Now, a grandmother from Geelong named Sandi Galloway has become the latest victim of lyssavirus. While walking back to her hotel room in Cairns, she was bitten on the head by a wild bat. Sandi experienced soreness, itchiness, and redness in her forehead after the bite.
‘I could feel it flying around my head,’ Sandi explained. ‘I thought it was trying to land on my hair. I swiped my hand to try to deter it, but the bloody thing nipped me twice on the forehead.’
The bite has left Mrs Galloway feeling sore and her forehead has been itchy and bright red since
‘Next thing, I felt this sting, like two pinpricks on my forehead,’ she shared with the Cairns Post.
Sandi initially ignored the bite, attributing it to a spider. However, upon learning about the possibility of contracting rabies from a bat, she decided to consult her GP. Sandi has already received five injections and will need three more rounds over the next three weeks.
While awaiting her test results, Sandi strongly believes she has contracted lyssavirus due to her symptoms. As a result of her experience, she advocates for the relocation of bats from crowded city centers like Cairns.
Only three people have contracted lyssavirus since 1996 – all through bat bites or scratches – and all three victims died
Responding to the incident, Cairns Regional Council acknowledges the need to manage the conflict between people and flying foxes. The council’s Flying-Fox Colony Management General Policy prioritizes the health and well-being of humans while considering the impact on flying fox populations. In cases where conflicts arise, the council will post signage to inform the community.
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