A BAT found in Lions Bicentennial Park has tested positive for Australian bat lyssavirus.
Metro South Health's Kari Jarvinen said the virus was fatal to humans and urged anyone who could have had contact with the bat to go to their doctor.
The bat was found a few metres off the footpath, 50 to 100 metres along from McKee Street bridge heading into the park on Friday.
It was taken into care by trained and vaccinated carers.
"We have been in contact with the people who reported the bat when it was found, and also those who cared for it, to determine any contact they had with the bat and whether they were vaccinated.
"It is very important to provide urgent treatment if anyone has had a scratch or bite from a bat to prevent a lethal disease," he said.
Dr Jarvinen said bats should not be handled by members of the public under any circumstances even if they appear dead. Only people who are trained and appropriately vaccinated should handle bats.
Dr Michael Rice from Beaudesert Medical Centre urged people not to handle bats even if they look dead.
"A bite or scratch can transmit this disease. If you are bitten or scratched (even by a dead bat) wash the area immediately with soap and water and seek advice from your GP or emergency department," he said.
ABLV infection in humans causes a serious illness which results in paralysis, delirium, convulsions and death.
Dr Rice said by the time symptoms present, it is too late.
"Lyssavirus is very similar to rabies, so similar we use a rabies vaccination," he said.
He said treating patients with bat bites was not common in Beaudesert but he had seen a small amount of people with bat related injuries.
Since November 1996, three people have died as a result of ABLV infection.
If you find a sick or injured bat please contact the RSPCA 1300 264 625.
