Saalek district experiences outbreak of bat sickness in Kita
Breaking News: EBLV-2 Outbreak in Saale District - Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Urged
In a recent development, a bat found on the grounds of the "Dino" kindergarten in Milzau tested positive for the European Bat Lyssavirus-2 (EBLV-2) on July 18, 2025. The health department immediately informed the parents and recommended post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for those potentially affected.
EBLV-2, a member of the lyssavirus genus, is closely related to the rabies virus family and primarily spreads through bites or scratches from infected bats. The virus enters the body via broken skin or mucous membranes, targeting the nervous system.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) following bat exposure potentially involving EBLV-2 consists of immediate wound cleansing, urgent medical evaluation, rabies vaccination, and, for unvaccinated individuals, administration of rabies immunoglobulin. Thorough records of treatment should be kept, especially if continuing care elsewhere.
The incident is currently under investigation by the youth welfare office's kindergarten oversight department. It is important to note that no signs or symptoms of infection have been detected so far.
In response to the outbreak, the Saale district thanks the emergency pharmacies in the district and surrounding areas for ensuring sufficient vaccines were available. Further vaccinations are necessary for full immunization, and all subsequent vaccinations will be planned and administered at the Carl-von-Basedow Hospital.
On July 19, 2025, an information session was held in collaboration with the Carl-von-Basedow Hospital and the Saale district's medical team, during which 36 children were vaccinated. Ten parents declined the vaccination offer, and nine other children had already been vaccinated by other doctors.
The health department is reminding institutions like kindergartens and schools about the dangers of handling suspected sick animals. The exact circumstances of the incident are still unknown, and communication about the matter will only occur after the investigation is complete.
Pre-exposure vaccination is advised for at-risk groups such as bat handlers, cave explorers, or those frequently in contact with bats or other potentially rabid animals in endemic areas. For more information about EBLV-2 and post-exposure prophylaxis, please consult your local health department.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). European Bat Lyssavirus. https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/bats/european_bat_lyssavirus.html
[2] European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (2019). European Bat Lyssavirus-2: Public Health Guidance for Member States. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/european-bat-lyssavirus-2-public-health-guidance-member-states
[4] World Health Organization. (2021). Rabies. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies
- The recent health development highlights the importance of understanding various medical-conditions, such as EBLV-2, a neurological-disorder within the rabies virus family.
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- Therapies-and-treatments for EBLV-2 primarily focus on post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), consisting of cleanliness measures, medical evaluations, vaccinations, and immune globulin for unvaccinated individuals.
- The news about the EBLV-2 outbreak reminds us of the significance of being aware of respiratory-conditions and skin-conditions, to ensure appropriate care for possible animal-related exposure and infection.
- Pre-exposure vaccination is crucial for at-risk groups, such as those regularly handling bats or other potentially rabid animals in endemic areas.
- In light of the current situation, it's advisable to consult reliable sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, or the World Health Organization for comprehensive information on EBLV-2 and its management.
