By Clareese Packer
NSW Health confirmed a man in his 50s died after contracting NSW鈥檚 first recorded case of Australian bat lyssavirus.
鈥淲e express our sincere condolences to the man鈥檚 family and friends for their tragic loss,鈥 A NSW Health spokesperson said on Thursday afternoon.
鈥淲hile it is extremely rare to see a case of Australian bat lyssavirus, there is no effective treatment for it.鈥
The virus, a close relative of the rabies virus, is spread to humans when saliva enters the body through cuts or scratches.
It鈥檚 been found in species of fruit bats, insect eating microbats and flying foxes.
A Health Protection director from NSW Health, Keira Glasgow, said it was a 鈥渢ragic situation鈥 following news the man was battling the virus.
鈥淭he man had been bitten by a bat several months ago and received treatment following the injury,鈥 Ms Glasgow said on Wednesday.
鈥淔urther investigation is underway to understand whether other exposures or factors played a role in his illness.鈥
The tragedy marks the fourth Australian death from the disease since 1996, with the other three deaths occuring in Queensland.
Bat scratches and bites left 118 people in need of medical assistance across the state last year, however this marks the first case of the virus in NSW.
Ms Glasgow warned it was 鈥渃rucial鈥 for anyone bitten or scratched by bats to urgently seek medical assessment.
鈥淚f you are bitten or scratched by a bat, urgent medical assessment is crucial,鈥 Ms Glasgow said.
鈥淵ou will need to wash the wound thoroughly for 15 minutes right away with soap and water and apply an antiseptic with anti-virus action, such as betadine, and allow it to dry.
鈥淵ou will then require treatment with rabies immunoglobulin and rabies vaccine.鈥
Any bats could carry the life-threatening virus, she warned, with a NSW Health spokesperson urging Aussies to avoid touching or handling the animals.
鈥淥nly wildlife handlers who are trained, protected, and vaccinated should interact with bats,鈥 the spokesperson said.