Hendra virus

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Hendra virus (hen-dra vi-rus, /ˈhɛndrə ˈvaɪrəs/) is a rare, emerging zoonotic virus that is transmitted to humans from animals. The virus was first identified in 1994 in an outbreak of illness involving 21 horses and two humans in Hendra, a suburb of Brisbane, Australia.

Etymology

The name "Hendra virus" is derived from the suburb of Hendra, Brisbane, where the virus was first identified. The virus is a member of the genus Henipavirus, a new class of virus in the Paramyxoviridae family.

Transmission

Hendra virus is primarily transmitted to humans from horses, which are believed to contract the virus from fruit bats (also known as flying foxes), the natural reservoir of the virus. Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare but has been documented.

Symptoms

In humans, Hendra virus can cause a range of symptoms, from flu-like symptoms to pneumonia or encephalitis. In horses, symptoms can include respiratory illness, neurological abnormalities, and in severe cases, death.

Prevention and Treatment

There is currently no specific treatment for Hendra virus infection in humans. Prevention strategies focus on reducing the risk of transmission from horses to humans, such as vaccination of horses, and use of personal protective equipment when handling sick horses.

See Also

External links

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