Topic: Hendra Virus Infection
Description
Hendra virus infection is a disease caused by the Hendra virus. The virus was first called equine morbillivirus when it was isolated in 1994 from specimens obtained during an outbreak of respiratory and nervous system disease in horses and humans in Hendra in Brisbane.
There have been only seven confirmed human infections, all in Queensland, and four of these died. All seven cases had been in close contact with infected or dead horses.
Symptoms
Symptoms in humans have included:
- an influenza-like illness, which can progress to pneumonia; or
- encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) type symptoms i.e. headache, high fever, and drowsiness, which can progress to convulsions or coma.
Horses develop an acute respiratory or neurological syndrome quickly leading to death in most cases.
Transmission
While Hendra virus does not appear to be very contagious, humans and horses are susceptible to the disease. All human infections have occurred following direct exposure to tissues and secretions from infected or dead horses. There is no evidence of human to human transmission.
The incubation period in humans has been estimated at 5-16 days.
The natural host for Hendra virus in Australia is the flying fox. It is not clear how horses become infected, but this may occur by them eating food contaminated by bat urine or birthing products.
Treatment
A person suspected to be infected with Hendra virus may need to be admitted to hospital for supportive care such as intravenous therapy and mechanical ventilation. It is not known whether antiviral treatments are effective against Hendra virus infection.
Prevention
There is no vaccine against Hendra virus. The most important means of preventing Hendra virus infection is to avoid animals that are known to be infected. When contact with potentially infected animals is necessary, take precautions that include using appropriate personal protective equipment and following recommended hygiene and environmental cleaning measures.
Horse feed and water troughs should not be placed under trees where bats may feed or roost.
Any suspected cases in horses or humans should be reported, investigated and treated as soon as possible.
Help and Assistance
For further information please contact your local doctor, community health centre or nearest Population Health Unit.
Last Updated: 12th October, 2009
Date Valid to: 30th June, 2010
