Beyond the typical rabies virus, what other related Lyssaviruses can cause similar diseases?

Okay, no problem. Rabies is indeed a crucial topic. Many people know to get shots after a dog bite, but aren't that familiar with the "virus family" behind it. Let me break it down for you.

More Than Just One Rabies? Meet the "Relatives" of the Rabies Virus

The rabies we typically talk about is caused by the classic rabies virus (RABV). However, it actually belongs to a large family called the Lyssavirus genus. Think of this family like a gang. The classic rabies virus is the most famous, widely distributed "notorious big-shot" in the gang, but it has several "little brothers." These younger relatives are just as ruthless and can cause nearly identical, fatal diseases.

These viruses primarily hide in various mammals, especially bats. Here are some key "relatives":

1. Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV)

Host: Primarily found in various bat species in Australia (especially flying foxes and insectivorous bats).
Danger: Extremely dangerous! It has caused multiple human deaths, with symptoms indistinguishable from classic rabies. The fatality rate post-infection is also nearly 100%.
Good news: The currently used rabies vaccine is effective at preventing Australian Bat Lyssavirus infection. So, if bitten or scratched by a bat in Australia, follow the same protocol as domestically: clean the wound immediately and get vaccinated and receive immune globulin.

2. European Bat Lyssaviruses 1 & 2 (EBLV-1 & EBLV-2)

Host: Primarily circulating in bat populations across Europe.
Danger: Also capable of infecting and killing humans, although human cases are exceedingly rare. Fatalities have been recorded.
Good news: Similar to ABLV, existing rabies vaccines are also generally effective against these two viruses.

3. Duvenhage Virus (DUVV)

Host: Primarily found in insectivorous bats in Africa.
Danger: Has caused several human fatalities, also presenting with rabies-like symptoms.
Bad news: The protective efficacy of current rabies vaccines against it is less reliable. However, post-exposure vaccination remains the primary life-saving measure, offering some cross-protection.

4. Mokola Virus (MOKV)

Host: This one is unusual. It's mainly found in African shrews (small mouse-like animals), cats, dogs, etc., and is not significantly associated with bats.
Danger: Can infect humans and is highly fatal.
Bad news: This is a "little punk." Current rabies vaccines and immune globulin are practically ineffective against Mokola virus. Fortunately, confirmed cases of human Mokola virus infection are extremely rare.

Key Takeaways:

More than one "rabies virus": Rabies is caused by a family of viruses called Lyssavirus; the classic rabies virus is just the most common member.
Bats are primary "hotspots": With few exceptions (like Mokola virus), the vast majority of rabies virus "relatives" mainly reside in bats world-wide. Therefore, "avoid bats" is the golden rule for preventing these unknown risks. Never touch them out of curiosity, especially bats behaving abnormally (e.g., flying during the day, found on the ground).
Vaccine isn't a silver bullet: The good news is that our current rabies vaccine works against the most common classic rabies virus and bat lyssaviruses from Australia and Europe. The bad news is that it offers poor or no protection against certain lyssaviruses found in Africa (like Mokola virus).
Action plan remains unchanged: For us ordinary people, the core principle stays the same: If bitten, scratched, or if an open wound is licked by any warm-blooded mammal (especially dogs, cats, bats, stray animals), always follow the standard procedure: "Wash, Disinfect, Get Vaccinated." Immediately flush the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, then go to a hospital promptly. Let medical professionals assess the risk and decide on the next steps.

Hope this explanation gives you a clearer picture of the rabies "family"!