How many people died of Hendra virus?
A small number of people have been infected with the virus, from infected horses. Tragically 4 of the 7 people who were infected have died. Five of these people were veterinary health professionals.
What are your chances of surviving Hendra virus?
Approximately 80% of horses and 70% of people infected with Hendra virus die. Properties with confirmed infected animals are jointly managed by Biosecurity Queensland, and the animal owner and their veterinarian until it can be determined there is no further transmission risk.
How common is Hendra virus in horses?
Hendra is a rare disease, however the death rate related to infection is very high – more than 70 per cent in horses. A small number of people have been infected with the virus, via close contact infected horses. Tragically 4 of the 7 people who were infected have died.
Can humans get Hendra virus from horses?
Hendra virus is a rare disease that can be passed from an infected horse to a human. This type of illness is called a zoonotic disease. The cases reported in Australia have all been in people who had close contact with infected horses. Without prompt medical treatment, the complications of Hendra virus can be fatal.
Can humans get Hendra?
Hendra virus is a virus that infects large fruit bats (flying foxes). 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.
Can dogs get Hendra virus?
Current knowledge indicates dogs may become infected with Hendra virus from close contact with a living or dead horse that is infected with the virus. Owners should prevent dogs from having contact with sick horses.
What kills Hendra 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. Hendra virus is killed by heat, drying and cleaning with detergents. There is no known specific treatment for Hendra virus infection.
Can horses recover from Hendra?
The clinical signs of Hendra virus in horses are mainly respiratory and/or neurological usually with a rapid progression to death and with a 79% mortality rate. Some horses diagnosed with Hendra have recovered from the disease, and to date, they have all been euthanased.
Can vaccinated horses get Hendra?
Research has shown that the vaccine protects horses from Hendra virus for up to six months following an initial course of two vaccinations. Vaccinated horses demonstrated no clinical signs of Hendra virus disease.
Can humans survive Hendra virus?
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 in horses?
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 do horses catch Hendra?
Hendra virus can spread from horse to horse through direct contact with infectious body fluids, or through indirect contact via equipment contaminated with infectious body fluids.