The Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center has made medical history by documenting the first-ever case of human infection with a poxvirus traditionally found in fruit bats native to Israel. The groundbreaking discovery was published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases by researchers led by Dr. Yael Paran, head of the Infectious Diseases Unit at Ichilov Hospital.
The case emerged in May 2023 when a 38-year-old Tel Aviv woman sought medical care, presenting with painful palm lesions, severe fatigue, muscle aches, and other systemic symptoms. The patient, a volunteer at an association that cares for bats, had been looking after sick and young fruit bats in her home, including six nursing bats – one of which died and another showed similar skin lesions.
Further investigation revealed four additional volunteers had experienced similar symptoms after bat bites, though they recovered without seeking medical attention. The discovery represents the first scientifically documented instance of poxvirus transmission from bats to humans.
The finding builds on previous research from the Kimron Veterinary Institute in Beit Dagan, which had identified this novel poxvirus in Egyptian fruit bats three years earlier. Through collaboration with the institute's researchers, the team confirmed the breakthrough transmission case.
"While this discovery is significant, it's not cause for public alarm," Paran emphasizes. "The illness is typically mild and requires direct contact for transmission." However, she recommends protective measures such as gloves and masks for anyone working with sick animals, particularly those who are immunocompromised.
The case highlights the growing importance of monitoring zoonotic diseases – those that can jump from animals to humans. Recent decades have seen several such diseases emerge, including Ebola, avian flu, and COVID-19. This reinforces the significance of the "One Health" approach, which advocates for integrated collaboration between medical professionals, veterinarians, and environmental experts.
According to Paran, "to protect both humans and animals, we need collaborative work between healthcare providers and environmental professionals who will monitor, recognize, share information, and develop comprehensive prevention strategies together."
