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Potential Human Exposure to Australian Bat Lyssavirus, Queensland, 1996-1999

McCall, B.J., Epstein, J.H., Neill, A.S., Heel, K., Field, H., Barrett, J. L., Smith, G.A., Selvey, L.A., Rodwell, B. and Lunt, R. (2000) Potential Human Exposure to Australian Bat Lyssavirus, Queensland, 1996-1999. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 6 (3).

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Publisher URL: http://www.cdc.gov

Abstract

Two human deaths caused by Australian bat lyssavirus (ABL) infection have been reported since 1996. Information was obtained from 205 persons (mostly adults from south Brisbane and the South Coast of Queensland), who reported potential ABL exposure to the Brisbane Southside Public Health Unit from November 1,1996, to January 31, 1999. Volunteer animal handlers accounted for 39% of potential exposures, their family members for 12%, professional animal handlers for 14%, community members who intentionally handled bats for 31%, and community members with contacts initiated by bats for 4%. The prevalence of Lyssavirus detected by fluorescent antibody test in 366 sick, injured, or orphaned bats from the area was 6%. Sequelae of exposure, including the requirement for expensive postexposure prophylaxis, may be reduced by educating bat handlers and the public of the risks involved in handling Australian bats.

Item Type:Article
Corporate Creators:Biosecurity Queensland
Business groups:Biosecurity Queensland
Additional Information:© Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Emerging Infectious Diseases is published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a U.S. Government agency. Therefore, all materials published in Emerging Infectious Diseases are in the public domain and can be used without permission. Proper citation, however, is required.
Keywords:Australian bat lyssavirus (ABL); Queensland; Megachiroptera genus Pteropus; S. flaviventris; genotype 7.
Subjects:Science > Science (General)
Veterinary medicine > Diseases of special classes of animals
Live Archive:15 May 2006
Last Modified:27 Oct 2021 04:29

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