NSW Health warns of bat lyssavirus risk after 43 people bitten or scratched in two weeks

Health authorities in New South Wales are urging the community not to touch or handle bats after a sharp rise in bite and scratch incidents. In the past two weeks, 43 people were assessed for bat-related injuries, compared to just 10 in the same period in 2025.

Infectious disease expert Robert Booy told Sunrise on Tuesday that the increase is fueled by a loss of natural habitat, pushing bats into more urban areas, backyards, and horse paddocks.

“They’re not swooping us. They’re not like magpies. What’s happening is that they’re just so close to us,” he said.

“We’re being nice people. We see a sick bat sometimes on the side of the road or in a paddock, and we stupidly pick it up and get scratched.

“The interaction is really because of climate change, where we’ve knocked down more than half of the eucalypt forests all along the east coast of Australia. And so now they’ve got far fewer places to roost.”

Booy described bites or scratches from bats as “very dangerous” and noted they can easily lead to lyssavirus.

“It’s essentially rabies. If you’re scratched, you need to act immediately to wash the site for a good 15 minutes,” he said.

“Then you need to seek medical attention.”

Analysis

Why This Matters

The sharp increase in bat bite and scratch incidents signals a heightened public health risk, especially as bat lyssavirus is almost always fatal once symptoms develop.
The trend reflects broader environmental pressures, including habitat loss and climate change, which are bringing wildlife into closer contact with human populations.
Immediate guidance for the public on how to respond to bat encounters could prevent infections and save lives.

Background

Bat lyssavirus is a viral disease closely related to rabies, transmitted through bites or scratches from infected bats. In Australia, it is rare but has a high fatality rate. Health authorities have long advised against handling bats, as even seemingly healthy animals can carry the virus. The recent spike in cases aligns with observations that deforestation along Australia’s east coast has reduced roosting sites, forcing bats into urban environments.

Key Perspectives

NSW Health: The agency is emphasizing the need for the public to avoid contact with bats, and is urging anyone who is bitten or scratched to wash the wound thoroughly and seek medical care immediately.

Infectious Disease Experts: Robert Booy highlights habitat loss and climate change as key drivers, noting that bats are not aggressive but are increasingly found near people. He stresses that well-meaning individuals often put themselves at risk by trying to help sick bats.

Potential Critics: Some may argue that the risk is being overstated, given the relatively small number of cases, though the severity of lyssavirus makes even rare exposures a serious concern.

What to Watch

Further updates from NSW Health on case numbers and any new public health advisories.
Whether the trend continues or recedes, which could indicate longer-term shifts in bat behavior or habitat.
Possible efforts to address habitat loss, such as reforestation or urban wildlife management, to reduce human-bat interactions.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Background

Key Perspectives

What to Watch

Sources