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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 News

time07-07-2025

  • Health
  • 9 News

Queensland records first fatal case of deadly virus in three years

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 queensland national Australia animals Disease CONTACT US

Deadly Hendra virus confirmed in state for first time since 2022
Deadly Hendra virus confirmed in state for first time since 2022

News.com.au

time07-07-2025

  • Health
  • News.com.au

Deadly Hendra virus confirmed in state for first time since 2022

A deadly animal-borne virus that can also infect humans has resurfaced in South East Queensland, with authorities confirming the state's first case of Hendra virus since 2022. An unvaccinated horse died on a property last week after rapidly deteriorating, with tests later confirming it had contracted the highly infectious virus. Biosecurity Queensland and Queensland Health are now working to manage the risk to humans and other animals. The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries released a statement on Sunday confirming the incident. Biosecurity Queensland acting chief veterinary officer Fiona Thompson said staff were working closely with the horse owner to ensure the risk was contained on the property. 'Unfortunately, in this case, the deceased horse had not been vaccinated for Hendra virus,' Dr Thompson said. Dr Thompson said the property was under active surveillance, and health authorities had already assessed potential exposure to other animals and people. 'Tracing and exposure assessments have been undertaken on other horses and animals on the property,' she 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 chief health officer Heidi Carroll confirmed that public health staff had already contacted those believed to have been exposed. 'While the Hendra virus can spread from horses to people, it is rare,' Dr Carroll said. 'We know from past cases of Hendra virus infection in horses that most people exposed remain well and don't contract the infection. 'People who are assessed as having a high level of exposure to the infected horse will undergo prioritised testing for the virus.' Racing Queensland also released a statement, encouraging owners to vaccinate their horses. 'The horse involved was not a racehorse. The location of the property has not been disclosed at this time,' the statement read. 'Racing Queensland joins Biosecurity Queensland in encouraging owners to vaccinate their horses.' Queensland Health also warned that horses could be infectious before showing signs of illness and urged people who worked with horses to maintain strict hygiene practices, including regular handwashing and covering wounds with waterproof dressings. Hendra virus is spread from flying foxes to horses and can then be transmitted to dogs or humans. There is no vaccine for humans, and the disease has proven fatal in the past. Since the virus was first identified in 1994, more than 90 horses are known to have been infected. All either died from the virus or were euthanised. Seven people have contracted Hendra virus after close contact with infected horses, and four have died. The most recent fatal case occurred in 2009. Dr Thompson urged horse owners to act quickly if their animal became sick. '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,' she said. 'We'd urge them to continue to practise good biosecurity and personal hygiene measures, even if a horse is vaccinated against Hendra virus.' Dr Thompson also commended the vet involved for their quick action in managing the case and containing the risk. Queensland Health said people infected with Hendra virus typically experienced flu-like symptoms and, in some cases, encephalitis, a serious inflammation of the brain that can cause headaches, fever and drowsiness. In horses, symptoms of the virus can vary but often include fever, increased heart rate and restlessness. Bat Conservation and Rescue Queensland president Mel Brennan has previously highlighted the critical role flying foxes play in maintaining local ecosystems. 'Without them, there is no native forest or koalas,' she said. 'If you don't touch them, they're not a risk.'

Deadly Hendra virus detected in horse on southeast Queensland property for first time since 2022
Deadly Hendra virus detected in horse on southeast Queensland property for first time since 2022

7NEWS

time06-07-2025

  • Health
  • 7NEWS

Deadly Hendra virus detected in horse on southeast Queensland property for first time since 2022

An animal has tested positive to a serious and potentially deadly virus seen for the first time in three years, sparking urgent calls for vaccinations. A horse in southeast Queensland has died after contracting Hendra virus, the state's first case of the disease, which can be deadly to humans, since 2022. Biosecurity Queensland has confirmed the Hendra virus case and is working with Queensland Health to ensure the risk to the public is managed, the health agency said. The agency recorded the positive test results from an unvaccinated horse on Friday. The horse died on the property after its condition rapidly deteriorated. Horse owners are now being urged to vaccinate their animals while also taking precautionary steps to protect themselves from the virus. Biosecurity Queensland Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Fiona Thompson said the agency is working closely with the horse owner to ensure the risk is contained on the property. 'Tracing and exposure assessments have been undertaken on other horses and animals on the property,' she 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. 'I'd like to commend the referral veterinarian for their professional management of this case and the biosecurity and human health risks that come along with a Hendra virus detection.' Hendra virus is said to be transmitted from flying foxes to horses, and from horses to dogs and to humans. There is no vaccine for humans against Hendra virus. Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll said Queensland Health was working closely with Biosecurity Queensland to support the public health situation. 'Our public health staff have contacted all known people who have been exposed to the infectious horse,' Carroll said. '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. 'People who are assessed as having a high level of exposure to the infected horse will undergo prioritised testing for the virus.' Queensland Health said horses may be infectious with Hendra virus before becoming noticeably unwell. It is important to exercise good hygiene practices when interacting with any horse, including washing hands with soap and water regularly, and covering wounds with a waterproof dressing. Since Hendra virus was identified in 1994, more than 90 horses are known to have been infected, Queensland Health said. These animals have either died as a result of their infection or have been euthanised. Seven people have been confirmed to have Hendra virus following high levels of exposure to infected horses. Four of these people died, the most recent in 2009. Thompson said if a horse becomes sick, owners should contact their veterinarian immediately. 'Unfortunately, in this case, the deceased horse had not been vaccinated for Hendra virus,' Thompson said. '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. 'We'd urge them to continue to practice good biosecurity and personal hygiene measures – even if a horse is vaccinated against Hendra virus.

Deadly virus detected post-Cyclone Alfred
Deadly virus detected post-Cyclone Alfred

Yahoo

time16-03-2025

  • Health
  • Yahoo

Deadly virus detected post-Cyclone Alfred

A potentially deadly virus was detected for the first time in Queensland's capital as the state health authority issued warnings about the mosquito-borne disease in the wake of extreme weather conditions. Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) was detected in Hemmant, a suburb in Brisbane's east, on Friday. It can cause severe neurological illness and even death, according to Queensland Health. The health authority said routine mosquito surveillance programs detected the presence of JEV in Brisbane, adding the risk of human exposure could increase after recent flooding following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Queensland Health's chief health officer Dr Heidi Carroll said the Brisbane detection meant JEV increased mosquito surveillance is underway as a result of the increased risk of infection across a number of regions in Queensland. 'This latest detection is the first for Brisbane and tells us that more mosquito populations are likely carrying the virus. It's critical that Queenslanders remain extra vigilant against mosquito bites across the state, no matter where they live,' Dr Carroll said. 'While most people infected with JEV experience only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, those who do develop more serious symptoms may experience fever, headache, abdominal pain or vomiting, typically within five to 15 days of being bitten.' Dr Carroll said it is 'common' to see mosquito populations increase after wet and warm weather, which increases the risk of contracting mosquito-borne illness. She urged residents to focus on prevention measures to avoid getting infected by the virus. 'I encourage all Queenslanders to adopt personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites such as using repellents containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, and using mosquito coils (outdoors) and insecticide vaporisers,' she said. 'Pooled water makes ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed, so it's important that everyone makes sure to, wherever possible, remove standing water around their home following recent rain and flooding.' Queensland recorded its first locally-acquired human case of JEV since 2022 in January this year. This case is likely to have been infected in the Darling Downs region, near Goondiwindi. JEV has been detected in mosquito populations in the Darling Downs and Wide Bay regions, as well as in mosquito and feral animal populations in other parts of the state. 'Mosquitoes become infected with JEV after they bite infected pigs or wading birds. JEV can then be spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito,' Dr Carroll said. 'Piggery workers are at risk of exposure to JEV due to their work. It's very important if you work at, live near or have a planned visit to a piggery, to take advantage of free vaccination against JEV. Transport workers, veterinarians or others involved in the care of pigs are also eligible.' The JEV vaccination is available at selected GPs, pharmacies and community immunisation providers. The vaccine itself is free for eligible Queenslanders. The detection comes after NSW authorities urged residents to take steps to avoid being bitten following the death of a man in his 70s last week. NSW Health said the man likely acquired JEV while on a holiday in the Murrumbidgee region and marked the second death in the state this year. 'People need to take mosquito-borne infections seriously, especially as people start the clean-up from recent floods in an environment where mosquitos thrive,' NSW Health's Executive Director of Health Protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty said. 'Standing water, like that left after mass rainfall and floods, makes for ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.'

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