Daily News Analysis

Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV)

stylish_lining

Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) is a rare but deadly virus that is transmitted from bats to humans, and it is closely related to the rabies virus.

Key Facts about Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV)

1. Origins and Identification

  • First Identified: ABLV was first identified in 1996 in a fruit bat in northern New South Wales, Australia.

    Virus Family: ABLV is part of the Rhabdoviridae family, the same family that includes the rabies virus.

    Bat Species Involved: The virus has been discovered in various species of bats, including flying foxes, fruit bats, and insect-eating microbats throughout Australia.

2. Transmission

  • Mode of Transmission: Human infection occurs through direct contact with bat saliva, particularly through bites, scratches, or open skin.

    Other Risks: In rare cases, the virus can also be transmitted through exposure of mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) to infected bat saliva.

    No Risk: There is no known risk from bat faeces, urine, blood, or casual proximity to bat roosts.

3. Symptoms

  • Initial Symptoms: The symptoms typically begin with flu-like signs such as fever, headache, and fatigue.

    Progression: As the infection advances, it leads to severe neurological issues including:

    • Paralysis

    • Delirium

    • Convulsions

    • Loss of consciousness

    The symptoms closely resemble rabies, and like rabies, once the symptoms appear, the disease is fatal.

4. Treatment

  • No Effective Treatment: There is no effective treatment available once symptoms appear. This makes early diagnosis and intervention crucial if a person is bitten or scratched by a bat suspected to be infected.

Recent Death from ABLV

A recent tragic death in Australia has highlighted the serious risks associated with Australian Bat Lyssavirus. The individual died after being exposed to the virus, underscoring the deadly nature of ABLV.

Conclusion

ABLV is a rare but serious health risk, especially for people who work with bats or live in areas where bats are common. With the tragic death of the Australian man, it serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with bat exposure and the importance of immediate medical care in case of a bite or scratch from a bat.


 

Critical Minerals

India’s first auction of deep-sea blocks for the extraction of critical minerals has been delayed indefinitely after receiving a poor response from bidders. This auction was expected to be a
Share It

President's Rule

The extension of President’s Rule in Manipur has brought to the fore the historical and controversial use of Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, shedding light on how its imposition disr
Share It

Beggars' Homes in India

In M.S. Patter v. State of NCT of Delhi, the Supreme Court (SC) held that state-run beggars’ homes are not merely penal institutions or charitable endeavors but are instead constitutional tr
Share It

Public Distribution System (PDS)

India's Public Distribution System (PDS) has long been a cornerstone of food security, ensuring access to subsidised cereals for millions of people. However, a recent Crisil study using the &l
Share It

Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA)

The recent Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) represents a major shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and South Asia, with significant implications for Indi
Share It

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement is facing significant challenges in adapting its controls to the rapid growth of cloud technology. This issue highlights the need to update its control lists and enforcem
Share It

National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report for 2023 highlights a 9.2% increase in crimes against children in India, with 177,335 cases registered in total. This reflects a concerning rise in
Share It

Doctrine of Contributory Negligence

The Andhra Pradesh High Court recently made an important ruling regarding the doctrine of contributory negligence in criminal law. The court clarified that contributory negligence does not apply t
Share It

Perpetual Bonds

The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) recently raised ₹453 crore at an interest rate of 7.70% per annum through its second issue of Perpetual Bonds. This move is part of the
Share It

Fake News

The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology in India has recently proposed several measures aimed at tackling the pervasive issue of fake news and misinformation, acknowled
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS