About lyssavirus
Lyssaviruses are a group of viruses that includes rabies and Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV). Lyssavirus is carried by bats in Australia. Rabies is carried by mammals in many overseas countries. Both are spread by bites and scratches. These diseases can be prevented by rapid and thorough cleaning of the wound and by vaccination. There is no cure.
Disease type:
Zoonoses
Vaccination available under NIP:
No
Notifiable disease:
Yes
National guidelines
Prevention, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
For information about prevention, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, see healthdirect's lyssavirus page.
Surveillance and reporting
Lyssavirus is a nationally notifiable disease.
We monitor cases through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System.
For more on lyssavirus in Australia, you can search Communicable Diseases Intelligence.
Date last updated: