Epidemiologia
Managing Potential Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) Exposure in Regional Queensland: A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Epidemiology and Operational Challenges
By Lam HY, Wallington L, Brimblecombe B and 2 others.
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) is a rare but fatal zoonotic infection transmitted from infected bats. In Queensland, Australia, all potential human exposures should be reported to local public health units for assessment and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Following a marked increase in notifications in 2025, the Darling Downs Public Health Unit (DDPHU), serving the Darling Downs and South West regions of Queensland, evaluated the epidemiology and operational challenges using a retrospective mixed-methods design.
Methods
Data of all potential ABLV exposure notifications within the DDPHU catchment between 2011 and 2025 were collected from existing databases to describe demographic, temporal, spatial, and case management outcomes. Staff meeting records were analysed using framework analysis to identify operational challenges.