NSW residents warned of bat exposure

With bat breeding season off to a flying start, NSW Health is reminding residents not to handle injured bats or flying foxes.

Three bats have been confirmed as having the potentially fatal lyssavirus in NSW this year, said NSW Health's Dr Vicky Sheppeard in a statement on Wednesday.

Lyssavirus infection can result in a rabies-like illness which is very serious and, if not prevented, is fatal.

"We are concerned that with the start of the bat birthing season, in October and November, young and miscarried pups may be on the ground, prompting people to pick them up or attempt to rescue them," she said.

So far this year, more than 300 Australians have been infected with rabies from high-risk exposure to infected animals - with one-third of those bitten or scratched by a bat, NSW Health say.

People should avoid all contact with bats and assume all bats and flying foxes are infectious.

"If someone is bitten or scratched by any type of bat they should thoroughly clean the wound for at least five minutes with soap and water as soon as possible, apply an antiseptic such as Betadine and seek urgent medical advice," Dr Sheppeard said.