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Filipino Conjoined Twins Separated in Landmark Riyadh Surgery

The complex procedure was performed by a team of over 20 medical professionals led by KSrelief and distinguished pediatric surgeon Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah. SPA
The complex procedure was performed by a team of over 20 medical professionals led by KSrelief and distinguished pediatric surgeon Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah. SPA
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Filipino Conjoined Twins Separated in Landmark Riyadh Surgery

The complex procedure was performed by a team of over 20 medical professionals led by KSrelief and distinguished pediatric surgeon Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah. SPA
The complex procedure was performed by a team of over 20 medical professionals led by KSrelief and distinguished pediatric surgeon Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah. SPA

Filipino conjoined twins Ayeesha and Akhizah underwent on Thursday a successful separation surgery at the King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital (KASCH) in Riyadh.
Following directives from the Kingdom's leadership, the complex procedure was performed by a team of over 20 medical professionals led by Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) and distinguished pediatric surgeon Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah.
The five-hour surgery, divided into five stages, addressed the challenge of the twins sharing a liver. Dr. Al Rabeeah's expertise and the team's dedication ensured a smooth operation. The medical team is now closely monitoring the twins' recovery, with a positive outlook for their long-term health.
"This success is a testament to the dedication and skill of our medical team and the unwavering support of the Kingdom's leadership," Dr. Al Rabeeah said, expressing his gratitude for the collaborative effort. "It brings us immense joy to see these children given a chance for a better life," he added.
The Saudi conjoined twins program, established in 1990, stands as a beacon of hope for families worldwide. This landmark surgery not only showcases the Kingdom's advanced medical capabilities but also underscores its commitment to humanitarian aid and medical excellence on a global scale. The program has reviewed cases of 136 twins from 26 countries, and now, successfully separating Ayeesha and Akhizah, the total number of twins separated stands at sixty-one accomplishments.

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Australian Man Dies from Bat Bite

Fruit bats are known to carry Australian bat lyssavirus, but it is not known what species delivered the fatal bite. JOHN WILSON / AFP/File
Fruit bats are known to carry Australian bat lyssavirus, but it is not known what species delivered the fatal bite. JOHN WILSON / AFP/File
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Australian Man Dies from Bat Bite

Fruit bats are known to carry Australian bat lyssavirus, but it is not known what species delivered the fatal bite. JOHN WILSON / AFP/File
Fruit bats are known to carry Australian bat lyssavirus, but it is not known what species delivered the fatal bite. JOHN WILSON / AFP/File

An Australian man has died from an "extremely rare" rabies-like infection transmitted by a bat bite, health officials said Thursday.

The man in his 50s was bitten by a bat carrying Australian bat lyssavirus several months ago, the health service in New South Wales said.

"We express our sincere condolences to the man's family and friends for their tragic loss," NSW Health said in a statement.

"While it is extremely rare to see a case of Australian bat lyssavirus, there is no effective treatment for it."

The man from northern New South Wales, who has not been identified, was this week listed as being in a "critical condition" in hospital, said AFP.

The virus -- a close relative to rabies, which does not exist in Australia -- is transmitted when bat saliva enters the human body through a bite or scratch.

First symptoms can take days or years to appear.

Early signs of the disease are flu-like -- a headache, fever and fatigue, the health service said.

The victim's condition rapidly deteriorates, leading to paralysis, delirium, convulsions and death.

There were only three previous cases of human infection by Australian bat lyssavirus since it was first identified in 1996 -- all of them fatal.

People should avoid touching or handling bats, as any bat in Australia could carry lyssavirus, the New South Wales health service said.

"If you or someone you know is bitten or scratched by a bat, you need to wash the wound thoroughly for 15 minutes right away with soap and water and apply an antiseptic with anti-virus action," it said.

"Patients then require treatment with rabies immunoglobulin and rabies vaccine."

The virus has been found in species of flying foxes and insect-eating microbats, NSW Health said.

The type of bat involved in the latest fatality has not been identified.