Sydneysiders are warned to avoid contact with bats that could carry serious disease, such as lyssavirus.  

142 NSW residents this year have already been given post-exposure rabies treatment after they were exposed to bats, either by getting bitten or scratched. 

The NSW Director of Communicable Diseases Branch Dr Vick Sheppeard said people should not touch bats because of the possibility of being scratch or bitten, and being infected. 

“Four bats were confirmed with the lyssavirus in NSW this year, and lyssavirus infection can result in a rabies-like illness which is very serious and, if not prevented, is fatal,” Dr Sheppeard said. 

“During the bat birthing season in October and November, we find people are more likely to come in contact with bats, as young and miscarried pups may be on the ground, prompting people to pick them up or attempt to rescue them,” she added. 

Three people who were infected with the lyssavirus in Queensland, Australia have all died. 
Dr Sheppeard said that people shouldn’t touch bats in any circumstances, even if they are injured in distress. Instead, rescue experts should be called. 

However, if one does get bitten or scratched, they will need to immediately clean the wound for at least five minutes with soap and water, and apply an antiseptic such as Betadine. They should always seek urgent medical advice. 

“They may require a series of injections to protect against lyssavirus infection and the first two need to be given as soon as possible,” Dr Sheppeard said. 

Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888 is also available for when pets or other animals come in contact with a bat.