Tony Merritt1, Kathryn Taylor2, Keren Cox-Witton3, Hume Field4, Kate Wingett5, Diana Mendez6, Michelle Power7, David Durrheim8. 1. MBBS, MPH@TM, FRACGP, FAFPHM, Public Health Physician, Hunter New England Population Health, NSW. 2. BMed, MPH@TM, FRACGP, FAFPHM, Public Health Physician, Hunter New England Population Health, NSW. 3. BVSc, GradDipApplSc, Senior Project Officer, Wildlife Health Australia, NSW. 4. BVSc, MSc, PhD, MACVS, Science @ Policy Adviser, EcoHealth Alliance; Honorary Professor, School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Qld. 5. BVSc (Hons), Veterinary Officer, Animal Biosecurity Services and Response, NSW Department of Primary Industries, NSW. 6. BVSc, MPH, PhD, Mentor and Postgraduate Research Methodology Lecturer, Cohort Doctoral Studies Program, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Qld. 7. BSc, PhD, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW. 8. MBChB, DrPH, FAFPHM, Public Health Physician, Hunter New England Population Health, NSW.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) causes human illness that is indistinguishable from classical rabies. All Australian bats have the potential to carry and transmit ABLV, and potentially risky human exposures to bats are common. ABLV infection has resulted in three human deaths in Australia since 1996. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to equip general practitioners (GPs) to assist in the prevention and management of potential ABLV exposures in Australia, including complex clinical scenarios that are not fully addressed in current national guidelines. DISCUSSION: Potential ABLV exposures are frequently encountered in general practice. GPs play a critical role in risk mitigation for groups such as veterinarians and wildlife carers, and in triggering urgent multidisciplinary responses to potential exposures. Timely notification of the public health unit following a potential exposure is crucial to ensure appropriate assessment and access to correct treatment. Complex exposure scenarios require careful consideration.
BACKGROUND:Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) causes human illness that is indistinguishable from classical rabies. All Australian bats have the potential to carry and transmit ABLV, and potentially risky human exposures to bats are common. ABLV infection has resulted in three humandeaths in Australia since 1996. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to equip general practitioners (GPs) to assist in the prevention and management of potential ABLV exposures in Australia, including complex clinical scenarios that are not fully addressed in current national guidelines. DISCUSSION: Potential ABLV exposures are frequently encountered in general practice. GPs play a critical role in risk mitigation for groups such as veterinarians and wildlife carers, and in triggering urgent multidisciplinary responses to potential exposures. Timely notification of the public health unit following a potential exposure is crucial to ensure appropriate assessment and access to correct treatment. Complex exposure scenarios require careful consideration.