{"id":356044,"date":"2024-12-13T12:27:15","date_gmt":"2024-12-13T02:27:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=356044"},"modified":"2024-12-13T12:27:15","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T02:27:15","slug":"dont-touch-sick-bats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2024\/12\/13\/dont-touch-sick-bats\/","title":{"rendered":"Don’t Touch Sick Bats"},"content":{"rendered":"

December 13, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n

Queensland Health has warned residents not to touch bats that may have fallen from trees – even if they are injured – to avoid becoming infected with Australian bat lyssavirus.<\/p>\n

Flying Fox Paralysis Syndrome is occurring across south-east Queensland which, along with the extreme heat, is leading to unwell bats being found on the ground and in people\u2019s yards.<\/p>\n

Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll said it was important to never touch bats, even if they were injured or sick, as they could transmit the deadly lyssavirus.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s important to remember that lyssavirus is fatal in humans and there is no known effective treatment once symptoms have started,\u201d Dr Carroll said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe infection can cause paralysis, delirium, convulsions and even death. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to seek urgent medical help, even if some time has passed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are preventative treatments like vaccines that are available if you have been exposed but the key is getting that treatment as soon as possible to avoid symptoms developing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Historically, of the three recorded deaths from lyssavirus in the country, two were in Queensland.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dr Carroll said it was important for families with children to educate them on the dangers of handling a bat found on the ground, including the backyard, in summer.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you think your child may have been bitten or scratched, wash the wound immediately with soap and clean water for at least five minutes to reduce the risk of infection,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you have antiseptic, apply that to the wound after you have washed it. But please see a doctor as soon as you can.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you find an injured bat or flying fox, contact the RSPCA (1300 ANIMAL) or your local wildlife care group.<\/p>\n