Disease Forms - Bat Lyssavirus

Question 1

Outline the form of this disease.

Answer 1

• Similar to the rabies virus.

- Bullet-shaped - glycoprotein coat & RNA encoding production of 5 viral proteins.

Question 2

How is it transmitted through bats?

Answer 2

• Bats are vectors; some asymptomatic (every bat can be potential vectors).
• The virus replicates - migrates to the salivary gland.
• Zoonotic - direct contact with infected bat (bite/scratch).
• Incubation period; 10 days to a year.
• Can survive in saliva for 24 hours - easily killed by heat/sunlight.

Question 3

Infection symptoms in bats.

Answer 3

• Nervous System - behaviour and movement.
• Weak/paralysed - tremours or seizures.
• Die after a few days of symptoms appearing.

Question 4

Infection symptoms in humans.

Answer 4

• Nervous System - peripheral nerves & replicated until reaches the brain.
  1) fever, headache, nausea, light sensitivity.
  2) anxiety, unusual eye movement, facial muscle weakness, heart/breathing rate increase.
  3) brain swelling, paralysis, coma, death.
  Once symptoms show; mortality is unavoidable.

Question 5

Outline management strategies.

Answer 5

1) Rabies vaccine.
2) Education on bat handling.
3) Wash/disinfect bite/scrath immediately.
4) DON’T touch bats.