X

EMERGENCY

In an emergency, always call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. Ambulances are the safest way to be assessed, treated and transported to the right hospital for the care you need.

Triple zero (000) is a free call from any phone, mobile or phone box.

For less severe but still urgent situations, go to an Emergency Department.

There are 12 public hospital Emergency Departments in Northern NSW Local Health District and they are all available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Emergency departments are located at:

photo of a flying fox in flight
Published: 12 Nov 2024

Northern NSW residents are reminded to avoid handling or touching flying foxes and microbats to protect themselves against infection from viruses including Australian bat lyssavirus, which is very dangerous to humans.

Australian bat lyssavirus can only be passed to humans from an infected flying fox or bat. Infection in humans can occur when bat saliva comes into contact with human tissue via an open wound or the eyes or mouth.

Acting Director of North Coast Population and Public Health, Robin Auld, warned against attempting to handle an injured or distressed flying fox or microbat, which are particularly active throughout spring and summer.

“We often see an increase in the number of people being scratched by bats in late spring each year,” Mr Auld said.

“If someone is bitten or scratched by a flying fox or microbat, wash the wound immediately and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, and apply an antiseptic with anti-virus action.

“People should also seek medical attention as soon as possible to assess whether they are at risk of infection and to access rabies post-exposure treatment if required.

“Getting post exposure treatment as soon as possible is crucial because there is no effective treatment once the symptoms of Australian bat lyssavirus commence and it is almost always fatal.

“The early symptoms are flu-like, including headache, fever and fatigue. The illness progresses rapidly to paralysis, delirium, convulsions and possibly death.”

“If you see a bat in distress, injured or on the ground, do not try to rescue it. Contact WIRES on 1300 094 737, or if in Port Macquarie or Kempsey areas, call FAWNA 02 6581 4141.

“If you see a dead flying fox in a public area, contact your local council and ask them to dispose of it.”

Lyssaviruses are a group of viruses that includes bat lyssavirus in Australia and rabies overseas. These viruses are carried by mammals such as dogs, cats, monkeys and bats in some of Australia’s closest neighbours, including Bali and Thailand.

To protect yourself from these viruses when travelling overseas, there are some simple steps you can take:

  • talk to your doctor at least 1 month prior to departure about pre-travel rabies vaccination
  • avoid contact with all wild and domestic animals while overseas.

For more information, contact North Coast Population and Public Health on 1300 066 055, or visit the NSW Health website by clicking this link.