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Queensland records first fatal case of deadly virus in three years

Queensland records first fatal case of deadly virus in three years

9 News2 days ago
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Australia has recorded another fatal case of the Hendra virus — a deadly disease that can spread from horses to humans. Hendra virus is a severe and often fatal infection that starts in flying foxes and is more commonly spread to horses. It can be transferred to dogs and humans in rare cases. Biosecurity Queensland has confirmed an unvaccinated horse tested positive for the virus in the south-east on Friday, and later died after its condition rapidly deteriorated. Australia has recorded another fatal case of the Hendra virus. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) It is the state's first case of the virus since 2022.  Biosecurity Queensland is working with the horse owner to contain the risk to the property. "Tracing and exposure assessments have been undertaken on other horses and animals on the property," Biosecurity Queensland Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Fiona Thompson said. "We are also working with Queensland Health in relation to humans who may have had contact with the infected horse so their experts can manage the health of people involved." Queensland Health has contacted everyone known to have been exposed to the infected horse. "While the Hendra virus can spread from horses to people, it is rare. We know from past cases of Hendra virus infection in horses that most people exposed remain well and don't contract the infection," Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll said. "People who are assessed as having a high level of exposure to the infected horse will undergo prioritised testing for the virus." Racing Queensland confirmed the infected horse was not a racehorse and joined authorities in urging anyone concerned about possible infection to contact their veterinarian immediately and avoid contact with the horse until test results are obtained. A Mt Alford property quarantined while the horses and residents are tested for Hendra virus in 2011. (Michelle Smith) The first recorded outbreak of Hendra virus was at a large racing stable in the Brisbane suburb of Hendra in 1994. There have been more than 90 horses infected since, all of which have died as a result of the virus or euthanasia. Seven people have been infected with the virus and four have died, with the most recent in 2009. The exact transmission is unknown, but Queensland Health believes horses contract the disease from coming into contact with material contaminated by infected flying fox fluids and excretions. It is then believed to spread from horse to horse through contact with infectious body fluids and contaminated equipment. The seven human cases all became infected after a high level of exposure to infected horses, predominantly in veterinary-like situations.  Symptoms in humans include influenza-like illness, with symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, headaches, tiredness and encephalitis, with symptoms of headache, high fever, drowsiness, convulsions and coma. Hendra virus is a zoonotic disease. (Getty) The time between exposure to an infected horse to a human contracting the virus has varied between five to 21 days.  Symptoms in horses are harder to recognise. Early signs can include fever, increased heart rate, restlessness, weakness and muscle twitching. Horses can be vaccinated against the Hendra virus, but humans cannot.  "Hendra virus infection can occur throughout the year, so it's important that horse owners and people in contact with horses take steps to protect themselves and their animals at all times," Thompson said. "We'd urge them to continue to practice good biosecurity and personal hygiene measures — even if a horse is vaccinated against Hendra virus. "If a horse becomes sick, owners should contact their veterinarian immediately." Biosecurity Queensland advises people to wash their hands regularly after touching horses, cover wounds with a waterproof dressing, wear personal protective equipment and wash unprotected skin if it comes into contact with a horse's body fluids and manure. health
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