Man dies of 'extremely rare' virus in Australia, symptoms can take years to appear

A fifty-year-old man has died in Australia from an "extremely rare" virus similar to rabies , transmitted by a bat bite , health authorities announced on Thursday, July 3, 2025.

"We express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased for their tragic loss," the health department of the southeastern state of New South Wales wrote in a statement.

The man was bitten by one of these mammals, which carries the Australian bat lyssavirus , several months ago. He was hospitalized this week in "critical condition."

Flu-like symptoms

The virus, a relative of rabies that does not exist in Australia, is transmitted when bat saliva enters the human body through a bite or scratch.

The first symptoms can take several days or even years to appear . They resemble those of the flu: headache, fever and fatigue, according to health services.

The victim's condition deteriorates rapidly, leading to paralysis , delirium , convulsions , and death .

Three previous cases of human infection with Australian bat lyssavirus have been recorded since its identification in 1996 , all fatal.

People should avoid touching or handling bats, as all Australian bats can carry lyssavirus, the New South Wales Health Service has warned.