Is Hendra virus deadly?

Hendra virus symptoms in people Meningitis or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) can develop, causing headache, high fever, and drowsiness, and sometimes convulsions and coma. Hendra virus infection can be fatal.

Can Hendra be cured?

There is no cure, human vaccine or specific medical treatment for Hendra virus. A vaccine for horses has been available since 2012.

Why did Hendra virus emerge in Australia?

Hendra virus was discovered in 1994 in the Brisbane suburb of Hendra (Queensland, Australia) after an outbreak of disease affecting 21 horses in a racing stable. The horses developed high fever and acute respiratory signs, and the case-fatality rate was high.

Is there a vaccine for Hendra virus?

Hendra virus and horses A Hendra virus vaccine is available for horses. Vaccination is the single most effective way of reducing the risk of Hendra virus infection in horses.

Who died from Hendra virus?

A south-east Queensland veterinarian has died of the Hendra virus after being infected at work several weeks ago. Dr Ben Cunneen, 33, was the senior equine vet at the Redlands Veterinary Clinic on Brisbane’s bayside.

How do you prevent Hendra virus?

Hendra virus infection can be prevented by avoiding horses that are ill or may be infected with HeV and using appropriate personal protective equipment when contact is necessary, as in veterinary procedures.

How common is Hendra virus?

Since 1994 and as of 2013, Hendra virus infections in humans remain rare; only seven cases have been reported. People can become infected through contact with an infected horse…

How can I reduce Hendra virus?

Vaccination of horses is the most effective way to help manage Hendra virus disease. Vaccination of horses provides a public health and work health and safety benefit by reducing the risk of Hendra virus transmission to humans and other susceptible animals.

Is the Hendra vaccine safe?

It is an animal medicine, fully registered by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA.) The vaccine has been declared as safe and effective (Source: Qld Parliament Report into the Hendra Vaccine; October 2016.)

What kind of virus is the Hendra virus?

CDC twenty four seven. Hendra virus (HeV) is a member of the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Henipavirus. HeV was first isolated in 1994 from specimens obtained during an outbreak of respiratory and neurologic disease in horses and humans in Hendra, a suburb of Brisbane, Australia.

Is there a cure for Hendra virus in horses?

Ribavirin has been shown to be effective against Hendra virus in vitro… Hendra virus infection can be prevented by avoiding horses that are ill or may be infected with HeV…

Are there Hendra like virus in flying foxes?

Recently a retrospective survey has identified a Hendra-like henipavirus from a Qld horse euthanased in 2015. Preliminary information suggests the virus involved is very similar to a virus detected in a grey-headed flying-fox from South Australia in 2013. Work to characterise this Hendra-like henipavirus and its significance is ongoing.