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.


 

State Finances and Budgets in India:

State finances play a crucial role in shaping India's broader economic landscape. With India’s federal structure, states not only drive local governance priorities but also contribute si
Share It

India’s Role in the Global Medical Workforce

India has long been a key supplier of skilled medical professionals to the global market, providing healthcare workers to countries in the Global North. However, while India excels in the export o
Share It

Critical Minerals

As the 21st century is increasingly defined by technology-driven advancements, critical minerals have emerged as one of the most significant geo economic assets. India, while a global powerhouse i
Share It

India-UK Vision 2035

The Indian Prime Minister's visit to London was indeed a significant diplomatic milestone, as it unveiled the India–UK Vision 2035 roadmap and formalized the Comprehensive Economic and T
Share It

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 is a critical piece of legislation designed to protect the rights and dignity of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled
Share It

Financial Inclusion Index

The Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index), as reported by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), is a key metric that measures the level of financial inclusion across the country. Overview of the Fin
Share It

International Seabed Authority

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is currently in the midst of negotiations regarding the extraction of metals from the high seas, particularly as U.S. efforts to fast-track this practice h
Share It

Election of Vice-President of India

Article 64 of the Constitution of India specifies that the Vice-President's post cannot remain vacant for any period of time, as it is essential for the functioning of the Rajya Sabha (Council
Share It

Maharashtra Scraps Hindi as Compulsory Third Language

The Maharashtra government recently scrapped its Government Resolutions (GRs) that mandated Hindi as a compulsory third language from Grades 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools. While the
Share It

River Pollution in India

The Delhi government's focus on cleaning up the Yamuna River is part of a larger national effort to rejuvenate the Ganga River and its tributaries, in alignment with the Namami Gange Programme
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS