Leading travel health pioneer will issue Queenslanders with a public health warning this Saturday, September 28 (World Rabies Day) about the risks associated with a disease that kills an estimated 55,000 people each year.

This life-threatening virus, first discovered in Australian flying foxes (commonly known as ‘fruit bats’) in 1996, is responsible for three Australian deaths, all in Queensland, the most recent occurring in February, 2013.

Australian Bat Lyssavirus – which is closely related to the classical rabies virus – is present among all four types of flying foxes, with a subtype also found in insectivorous bats that are prevalent across mainland Australia.

To learn why it’s important to look, but not touch a flying fox, speak to Queensland rabies expert, Dr Deb Mills, via phone, in-studio, Skype or online. To learn more contact joni@vivacommunications.com.au.

Download the Media alert – ‘Look but don’t touch’ here.