Where do Hendra virus infections occur?

Where do Hendra virus infections occur?

Hendra virus infection is a zoonotic disease affecting horses and people. Fruit bats (flying foxes) in Australia are the natural reservoirs for Hendra virus. Hendra virus transmission is from fruit bats to horses, and from horses to people and dogs.

Where did Hendra virus start?

Hendra Virus Disease (HeV) 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.

Where is Hendra virus most common?

Transmission. Flying foxes have been identified as the reservoir host of Hendra virus. A seroprevalence of 47% is found in the flying foxes, suggesting an endemic infection of the bat population throughout Australia. Horses become infected with Hendra after exposure to bodily fluid from an infected flying fox.

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.

How is Hendra virus treated?

How is it treated? There is no specific treatment for Hendra virus infection and cases are treated supportively in hospital or in intensive care. Antiviral medications have not been found to be effective in treating Hendra virus infection.

Do bats get sick from Hendra virus?

Hendra virus is a virus that mainly infects large fruit bats (flying foxes) which can be passed on to horses. The infection has occasionally been passed onto people who have been in close contact with an infected horse.

What does Hendra virus do to humans?

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.

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 fatal is 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.