43 people in NSW assessed for bat bites and scratches, a sharp rise
NSW Health says there is no effective treatment once lyssavirus symptoms start.
NSW Health assessed 43 people for bat bites and scratches in the two weeks up to last Saturday. The 43 people assessed are a sharp rise on the 10 cases reported in the same two weeks of 2025.
The incidents happened in coastal areas of Hunter New England, Central Coast, Mid North Coast and Northern NSW. A food shortage means flying foxes typically stay in feed trees during the day.
People should assume any bat could carry Australian bat lyssavirus, a close relative of rabies. Up to 6 per cent of bats that have contact with humans are infected with lyssavirus.
Once symptoms start, there is no effective treatment for lyssavirus. Anyone bitten or scratched should wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes, then seek urgent medical assessment.
If a bat is injured or in distress, call a wildlife rescue service and do not touch it.
- 43 people for bat bites and scratches
- Assessed in fortnight
- 10 reported cases
- Same period in 2025
- Craig Nolte, 56, from Ballina
- Fatal case
Why it mattersA bite or scratch can lead to a virus with no effective treatment, so quick care matters.
AustraliaPeople on NSW's coast should keep their distance from bats, which are especially active in spring and summer.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 4 h ago
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