# Bat bite or scratch

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In Australia, flying foxes or other bats may carry lyssavirus* which is potentially fatal. These animals must never be handled by people who are not trained to handle wildlife, even if the animal is injured. *Also referred to as ABLV: Australian bat lyssavirus What to do Anyone either bitten or scratched by a bat should IMMEDIATELY: 1 wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water

2 seek medical aid, regardless of the site or severity of the wound.

A protective vaccine can be administered even after the bite.