Bat discovered carrying toll virus
In a recent development, the Senate Administration for Consumer Protection in Berlin has announced the detection of bat rabies in a bat found in the Charlottenburg district. This discovery comes amidst a backdrop of extremely low incidence of bat rabies in the city's bat population [1][3].
Between July 2020 and July 2025, only three human infections with bat rabies virus were recorded in Berlin, highlighting the rarity of this virus [3]. However, the specific bat species involved in these cases remain unclear, with sources not specifying which species carry the virus in Berlin. Across Europe, bats can carry lyssaviruses, with the serotine bat (Eptesicus serotinus) and the Daubenton’s bat (Myotis daubentonii) being common carriers of European bat lyssavirus (EBLV) [1][3].
The detection was made at a veterinary clinic, and it's crucial to note that infections in humans are extremely rare. The rabies virus is transmitted through contact with the saliva of infected animals, not through casual contact. Bite and scratch wounds increase the risk of infection [2].
The Senate Administration advises against picking up injured or sick bats found during the day with bare hands. Instead, they recommend using gardening gloves or a towel. If there is any doubt that the skin has been injured by a bat's teeth or claws, or if a child has been unsupervised with a bat, seeking medical advice as soon as possible is advised [2].
The Administration also advises against feeding bats, as this can increase the risk of injury and potential infection. They also suggest that if a bat is found in a home, it should be released outside at night, as bats are nocturnal animals [2].
It's important to note that bat rabies should not be confused with fox rabies, and the disease is a notifiable one. The leaflet from the Senate Administration also mentions that before picking up a bat, it is advisable to wear protective clothing and to avoid direct contact with the animal's saliva or urine [2].
The exact circumstances leading to the three human infections remain unclear, as the Senate Administration did not provide information on how these cases occurred. Nonetheless, it's a reminder for the public to exercise caution when encountering bats, especially injured or sick ones.
[1] Senate Administration for Consumer Protection (Berlin) [2] Leaflet from the Senate Administration for Consumer Protection (Berlin) [3] Robert Koch Institute (Berlin)
- In light of the recent detection of bat rabies, it's essential to emphasize the significance of understanding health-and-wellness practices related to medical-conditions like bat rabies, especially in the field of science, since the risk of human infections may increase.
- To promote health-and-wellness and reduce the risk of contracting bat rabies, the public is advised to follow nutritional guidelines that avoid feeding bats, exercise caution when handling injured or sick bats, and seek immediate medical attention if necessary, as advised by the Senate Administration for Consumer Protection in Berlin.
