Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV)

Warmer weather and heat stress events contribute to distressed bats being found on or near the ground. Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) is closely related to rabies. All Australian bats have the potential to carry lyssavirus. There is no known effective treatment for ABLV once symptoms have started. While human infection is rare, it is almost always fatal once symptoms develop.

Maintain a high index of suspicion where bat contact is possible and treat as potential ABLV exposure. If a potential ABLV exposure has occurred notify your local Public Health Unit (PHU) immediately to access timely administration of post exposure prophylaxis.

Post exposure management 

• Notify your local PHU as early as possible for access to and guidance on administration of rabies vaccine and/or human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG)
• Perform appropriate wound care:
  • wash the wound gently but thoroughly for at least 15 minutes with soap and running water as soon as possible after the exposure
  • do not scrub the wound
  • apply an antiseptic solution containing povidone-iodine or alcohol (ethanol)
  • do not suture wounds unless necessary and only after HRIG infiltration.
• Document the type of exposure and medical history, including immunocompromise or pregnancy

• Check for previous rabies and tetanus vaccination

  ---

Testing and investigation

• Routine testing of humans after exposure to bats is not recommended

• Your local PHU can coordinate testing of dead bats when appropriate

  ---

Further information

• The Australian Immunisation Handbook
• Rabies and other lyssavirus – CDNA National Guidelines for Public Health Units
• Rabies and other lyssaviruses | The Australian Immunisation Handbook
• Australian bat lyssavirus | Queensland Government
• Australian bat lyssavirus for health professionals | Australian Centre for Disease Control
• Public health units | Queensland Health
• Notifiable Conditions Dashboard – ABLV