Hendra virus: what do we know?
Isabel M. R. Hess A E , Peter D. Massey B , Belinda Walker C , Deborah J. Middleton D and Therese M. Wright C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A NSW Public Health Officer Training Program, NSW Department of Health
B Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District
C Biosecurity Unit, NSW Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services
D Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
E Corresponding author. Email: ihess@doh.health.nsw.gov.au
NSW Public Health Bulletin 22(6) 118-122 https://doi.org/10.1071/NB10077
Published: 25 July 2011
Abstract
Hendra virus infection is an emerging infectious disease that is not well understood. Most cases of Hendra virus infection have occurred in Queensland, with one case in a horse in NSW. Hendra virus infection has a high mortality rate in horses and humans and as cases could occur anywhere in Australia it is important to be ready for prompt action should an outbreak occur in NSW. This paper: reviews the current knowledge on Hendra virus infection including methods for preventing the disease; explains the animal health and human health response for an outbreak within NSW; and discusses possible future avenues for post-exposure prophylaxis and prevention by vaccination.
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