Mackay Base Hospital’s Emergency Department has treated four people with bat bites and scratches in the past month.
Public Health Unit physician Dr Steven Donohue said any person bitten or scratched by a bat must seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
Even healthy-looking bats may be infected with the Australia Bat Lyssavirus (ABL) which is similar to rabies.
ABL can be transmitted through a bat bite or scratch, or exposure to bat saliva.
“Prompt treatment following a bite or scratch from a bat can prevent serious disease and death,” Dr Donohue said.
This year 25 people in Mackay HHS have required treatment with immunoglobulin and a course of rabies vaccine to ensure they don’t develop ABL which has no cure.
“The message is very clearly ‘don’t touch bats’,” Dr Donohue said.
One recent case involved a person trying to remove an injured bat from a wire fence.
Anyone bitten or scratched by a bat should wash the wound gently but thoroughly for about five minutes with soap and water and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
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
Under no circumstances should anyone touch a bat. If people encounter bats that appear to be injured they should contact a vaccinated, trained wildlife carer.
If bat saliva has got in the eyes, nose or mouth, flush the area thoroughly with water.
If you need to move a bat, use a no-touch technique such as tongs or a shovel. Place dead bats in a bin or bury them without touching.
“We strongly recommend only trained, vaccinated people wearing personal protective equipment should handle bats,” Dr Donohue said.
For more information visit www.health.qld.gov.au or call 13 HEALTH (13 432 584)
For bat carers or rescue volunteers call 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625).
More Information
mhhs-comms@health.qld.gov.au
Phone 0417 756 221
