Don't handle bats!
The warning coincides with the bat birthing season which has seen a recent surge in the number of notifications of bites and scratches from bats requiring treatment to prevent potential Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABL) infection, according to Senior Director Communicable Diseases Dr Frank Beard.
“Only vaccinated people who have been trained in the care of bats should ever handle bats. If someone comes across an injured or sick bat, they should not touch it but contact the Department of Environment and Resource Management (Phone 1300 130 372).
“They can put people in contact with a licensed and fully-vaccinated wildlife rescuer who is trained to handle and care for wildlife.
“More than 100 cases of potential exposure to ABL through people being scratched or bitten by bats are reported each year.
“Prompt treatment following a bat scratch or bite can prevent a serious disease and possibly death. Since 1996 two people have died as a result of ABL exposure following bites or scratches from bats.”
Dr Beard said there was no significant risk exposure from living, playing or walking near bat roosting areas.
“A bat bite, scratch or mucous membrane exposure to bat saliva is necessary to transmit the virus,” he said. “Usually bats do not approach humans, more commonly bat scratches or bites occur if someone is trying to ‘rescue’ an injured, sick or distressed bat.”
First Aid advice for anyone bitten or scratched by a bat or exposed to bat saliva through the eyes, nose or mouth:
1. Do not scrub the wound.Wash the wound gently but thoroughly for approximately five minutes with soap and water. If available, an antiseptic with anti-virus action such as povidone-iodine, iodine tincture, aqueous iodine solution or alcohol (ethanol) should be applied after washing.
2. If bat saliva has got in the eyes, nose or mouth, flush the area thoroughly with water.
3. Contact a doctor or the nearest hospital immediately. Treatment involves a course of vaccinations that is necessary to protect the person against ABL. If the bat is available and tested and the results are negative for ABL, the course of vaccinations will not be required.
For more information visit www.health.qld.gov.au or call 13 HEALTH (13 432 584).
