Israel records first case of human infection from a bat

Israeli doctors have documented bat-to-human transmission of the virus. A 38-year-old woman, a volunteer with a fruit bat rescue organization, was hospitalized with unusual symptoms: She went to the doctor with painful sores on her palms, extreme fatigue, muscle pain and other symptoms.

According to Israel Hayom, the woman was caring for sick fruit bats and their babies, including six nursing bats, one of which died, and the second developed smallpox-like skin lesions.

Doctors at the Ichilov hospital found that the woman was infected with bat poxvirus; this is the first scientifically documented case of transmission of poxvirus from bats to humans. Further investigation revealed four more volunteers who had experienced similar symptoms after being bitten by bats. All of them recovered without seeking medical help.

The study was published in the specialized publication The Journal of Infectious Diseases by a group of specialists led by the head of the infectious diseases department of the Ichilov hospital, Dr. Yael Paran. Dr Paran notes that while this is a significant discovery, it should not cause public concern: the disease is usually mild and direct contact is required for the virus to be transmitted.

However, she recommended that those working with sick animals use protective measures such as gloves and masks, especially for people with weakened immune systems.

The case highlights the growing importance of monitoring zoonotic diseases—those that can spread from animals to humans. Several such diseases have emerged in recent decades, including Ebola, avian flu and COVID-19.