UK rabies fears as deadly virus returns to Britain after being found in dead bat
It is the first time this particular strain, called EBLV-1, has been confirmed in the UK
HEALTH bosses in Britain have issued a warning after the deadly rabies virus was detected in a dead bat.
Britain has remained rabies-free for years but the recent discovery has put Public Health England on alert.
It is the first time this particular strain, called EBLV-1, has been confirmed in the UK.
According to a notice from Public Health England, the virus can lead to clinical rabies in humans.
It goes on to advise that “any person exposed to any type of bat in the UK should receive a prompt risk assessment and may require post- exposure treatment with rabies vaccine”.
Public Health England stress the risk of catching rabies is very low but is urging GPs to consider giving out rabies injections to any patients who are exposed to bats.
The notice warns: “Bat bites in the UK are felt rather than seen and may not bleed or leave an obvious mark on the skin.
“Infected bats may not show signs of illness, therefore all bats (whatever species) should be considered a potential risk of rabies.”
In 2002 a man died from rabies acquired in the UK from a bat.
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He was infected with the European Bat Lyssavirus.
In humans, rabies is a rare but life-threatening infection of the brain and nervous system.
It usually results from a bite or scratch from an infected animal.
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