Australian Bat Lyssa Virus

Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABL) was first identified in 1996, and has been found in several species of flying foxes, fruit bats and insectivorous bats in Australia. Lyssavirus is closely related to, but is distinct from, the classic rabies virus.

Two human deaths have been reported due to this virus. In both cases, death occurred as a result of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) presenting with variable symptoms of:

• fever and general lethargy
• headache
• muscle weakness and numbness
• confusion and disorientation
• convulsions / fits
• loss of consciousness