Dead bat infected with deadly rabies-like virus is found at popular Brisbane market stall - as authorities warn people not to touch the animals under any circumstances.
The bat was found at the popular Davies Park markets in west Brisbane.
It tested positive for Australian Bat lyssavirus, which is fatal for humans.
Queensland Health urged those who who touched the bat to come forward.
Three Australians have died from lyssavirus since it was identified in 1996.
By NELSON GROOM FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA
PUBLISHED: 13 September 2015
An urgent health alert has been issued after a bat riddled with a fatal disease similar to rabies was found at a busy market stall in Brisbane.
The animal was found on the ground near death at the popular Davies Park markets in the city's west end, sparking grave concerns for those who may have come in contact with it.
Queensland Health has urged anyone who may have touched the bat, which tested positive to the deadly Australian Bat Lyssavirus, to come forward, reports ABC.
Anybody who came in contact with the bat requires urgent post-exposure vaccinations.
The disease is only treatable if victims takes a rabies vaccine before symptoms set in.
Three people have died from lyssavirus since it was discovered in 1996.
In 2013, eight-year-old Lincoln Boucher died after frothing at the mouth, writhing with seizures and tearing out the IV lines doctors had inserted into him.
Doctor Kari Jarvinen from Metro South Health said she held grave concerns for market-goers who may have come in contact with the bat.
'We are really trying to get the message across, that please don't do that,' he said.
'Do not handle bats at all.'
She said those worried should call the RSPCA or 13ANIMAL as soon as possible.
'The lyssavirus that we've got unfortunately in a small proportion of our Australian bats, it's related to the classical rabies virus and causes a very similar disease.'
The bat was found at the popular Davies Park markets in west Brisbane.
It tested positive for Australian Bat lyssavirus, which is fatal for humans.
Queensland Health urged those who who touched the bat to come forward.
Three Australians have died from lyssavirus since it was identified in 1996.
By NELSON GROOM FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA
PUBLISHED: 13 September 2015
An urgent health alert has been issued after a bat riddled with a fatal disease similar to rabies was found at a busy market stall in Brisbane.
The animal was found on the ground near death at the popular Davies Park markets in the city's west end, sparking grave concerns for those who may have come in contact with it.
Queensland Health has urged anyone who may have touched the bat, which tested positive to the deadly Australian Bat Lyssavirus, to come forward, reports ABC.
Anybody who came in contact with the bat requires urgent post-exposure vaccinations.
The disease is only treatable if victims takes a rabies vaccine before symptoms set in.
Three people have died from lyssavirus since it was discovered in 1996.
In 2013, eight-year-old Lincoln Boucher died after frothing at the mouth, writhing with seizures and tearing out the IV lines doctors had inserted into him.
Doctor Kari Jarvinen from Metro South Health said she held grave concerns for market-goers who may have come in contact with the bat.
'We are really trying to get the message across, that please don't do that,' he said.
'Do not handle bats at all.'
She said those worried should call the RSPCA or 13ANIMAL as soon as possible.
'The lyssavirus that we've got unfortunately in a small proportion of our Australian bats, it's related to the classical rabies virus and causes a very similar disease.'
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