SEVEN people have required treatment for a bat bite or scratch in the Hunter already this year, prompting a Hunter-wide warning to steer clear of the flying creatures.
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Hunter New England Health said recent high temperatures had affected the species’ health, leading to an increase in people handling the animals as they attempted to come to their aid.
Temperatures have sweltered across the Hunter in recent weeks, with more hot days forecast.
“While there have been three cases of infection in Australia over the past 40 years, lyssavirus is almost always fatal,” he said.
Dr Durrheim said it was best to avoid all contact with bats.
“Always assume they’re infectious, regardless of whether the animal looks sick or not,” he said.
If a bat scratch is suffered, it should be thoroughly cleaned for with soap and water before seeking urgent medical advice.
Blackalls Park is home to one of Lake Macquarie’s biggest flying fox colonies.