Signs symptoms of hendra virus in humans

HeV was first isolated in from specimens obtained during an outbreak of respiratory and neurologic disease in horses and humans in Hendra, a suburb of Brisbane, Australia.

It is related to Nipah virus , another species in the genus Henipavirus. The natural reservoir for Hendra virus has since been identified as the flying fox bats of the genus Pteropus.

Since and as of , Hendra virus infections in humans remain rare; only seven cases have been reported. Hendra virus infection can be prevented by avoiding horses that are ill or may be infected with HeV Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.

Occasionally the virus can spread from flying foxes to horses and horses can then pass the infection on to humans. A small number of people who had very close contact with infected horses have developed Hendra virus infection. Hendra virus infection has been confirmed in two dogs on properties where horses had been infected with the Hendra virus. Neither dog was showing signs of illness. There is no evidence of Hendra virus occurring naturally in any other species.

Hendra virus was discovered following an outbreak of illness in a large racing stable in the suburb of Hendra, Brisbane in What are the symptoms? Hendra virus symptoms in horses Hendra virus can cause a range of symptoms in horses. Hendra virus symptoms in people Symptoms typically develop between 5 and 21 days after contact with an infectious horse. Fever, cough, sore throat, headache and tiredness are common initial symptoms.

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. 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.

All confirmed human cases to date became infected following high level exposures to body fluids of an infected horse, such as doing autopsies on horses without wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, or being extensively sprayed with respiratory secretions. There is no evidence of human to human, bat to human, bat to dog, or dog to human transmission. Who is at risk? How is it prevented? Research and testing of many other animals and insects has shown no evidence of Hendra virus occurring naturally in any other species.

The time from exposure to a sick horse until the start of illness in humans has varied between 5 and 21 days. While the exact route of infection is unknown, it is thought that horses may contract Hendra virus infection from eating matter recently contaminated with flying fox urine, saliva or birth products. Spread of infection to other horses can then happen.

Small amounts of the virus may be present in a horse's body fluids, particularly nasal secretions, for a few days before they become sick. Other people have reported similar contact with infected horses but have remained well and their blood tests have shown no evidence of infection.

No one with a lower level exposure e. People who have had contact with a person with Hendra virus infection, including health care workers and family members, have been tested and shown no evidence of the virus.

There is no evidence that the virus can be passed directly from flying foxes to humans, from dogs to humans, from the environment to humans, from humans to horses or float in the air. It is important that people who have been in close contact with a horse infected with Hendra virus monitor their health. A person who becomes unwell in the weeks after close contact with an infected horse should contact their public health unit and seek medical advice promptly.

A symptomatic person may be admitted to hospital under the care of an infectious disease physician for close monitoring while waiting for test results. To date, antiviral medications have not been effective but three people have recovered from infections with general medical support. People who have had high level exposures to the body fluids of an infected horse may be offered experimental treatment with a type of antibody that may prevent infection.

Steps can be taken to decrease the risk of Hendra virus infection in horses. It is important to protect horse food and water from contamination by flying fox fluids, isolate sick horses early while awaiting test results, and pay attention to standard hygiene and cleaning practices. Hands should be cleaned regularly after touching horses, particularly before eating, smoking or touching one's eyes, nose or mouth.