When was the last case of Hendra virus?
The natural reservoir for Hendra virus has since been identified as the flying fox (bats of the genus Pteropus). Since 1994 and as of 2013, Hendra virus infections in humans remain rare; only seven cases have been reported.
What is the mortality rate of Hendra virus?
Impacts. Hendra virus infection in horses and humans has a high mortality rate. Approximately 80% of horses and 70% of people infected with Hendra virus die.
What caused the Hendra virus?
How is it spread? It is thought that horses may contract Hendra virus infection from eating food recently contaminated by flying fox urine, saliva or birth products. The spread of Hendra virus between horses is possible whenever horses have close contact with body fluids from an infected horse.
How do humans get Hendra virus?
Transmission of Hendra virus to humans can occur after exposure to body fluids and tissues or excretions of horses infected with Hendra virus. Horses may be infected after exposure to virus in the urine of infected flying foxes. To date, no human-to-human transmission has been documented.
When did Hendra virus start?
Hendra virus (HeV) was first isolated in 1994 in horses at a racing stable in Hendra, Brisbane. The table below shows the location and date of each confirmed and possible HeV equine cases in Queensland and New South Wales, including clinical signs, observations in horses and other evidence.
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.
Is there a human vaccine for Hendra virus?
Without prompt medical treatment, the complications of Hendra virus can be fatal. There is no cure, human vaccine or specific medical treatment for Hendra virus. A vaccine for horses has been available since 2012. The best defence is avoiding contact with an infected horse.
What does Hendra virus do to humans?
Hendra virus (HeV) infection is a rare emerging zoonosis (disease that can be transmitted to humans from animals) that causes severe and often fatal disease in both infected horses and humans. The natural host of the virus has been identified as being fruit bats of the Pteropodidae Family, Pteropus genus.
Is there a cure for Hendra virus?
There is no cure, human vaccine or specific medical treatment for Hendra virus. A vaccine for horses has been available since 2012. The best defence is avoiding contact with an infected horse.
How many horses have had Hendra virus?
Current situation. Since 1994, Hendra virus (HeV) has been the cause of death in over 100 horses. Most cases have been the result of spillover infection from flying-foxes.