Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV)

Prelims: Current events of National and International Importance.

Why in the news?

Recently, A man in New South Wales has died from Australian bat lyssavirus..

• Treatment and cure - It is extremely rare to see a case of Australian bat lyssavirus, there is no effective treatment for it.
  • If bitten or scratched by a bat,  apply an antiseptic with anti-virus action.
  • Require treatment with rabies immunoglobulin and rabies vaccine.
• Prevention – It is better to stay away from handling bats, especially without proper vaccination and training.
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• People should avoid touching or handling bats, as any bat in Australia could carry lyssavirus.

First identified in 1996, by scientists at the national science agency CSIRO, who examined brain tissue from a flying fox that had been showing “nervous signs” in New South Wales.

• Severity – It is fatal, only four cases including this one, have been confirmed in Australia, all of which have resulted in death.

References

1. The Hindu | Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV)
2. TheEconomicTimes