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Emerging infectious diseases2010; 16(2); 338-340; doi: 10.3201/eid1602.090780

Hendra virus outbreak with novel clinical features, Australia.

Abstract: To determine the epidemiologic and clinical features of a 2008 outbreak of Hendra virus infection in a veterinary clinic in Australia, we investigated the equine case-series. Four of 5 infected horses died, as did 1 of 2 infected staff members. Clinical manifestation in horses was predominantly neurologic. Preclinical transmission appears likely.
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Publication Date: 2010-02-02 PubMed ID: 20113576PubMed Central: PMC2958006DOI: 10.3201/eid1602.090780Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article concerns an outbreak of Hendra virus at a veterinary clinic in Australia in 2008, specifically exploring the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics including an examination of the infected horses and humans, as well as the transmission of the virus.

Investigation of the Hendra Virus Outbreak

The researchers sought to understand the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of a 2008 outbreak of the Hendra virus. This involved:

  • Studying the pattern and speed of its spread
  • Analyzing the clinical features and outcome in horses and humans

Clinical Manifestation

The study found that the Hendra virus predominantly manifested as neurological symptoms in horses. This included:

  • Changes in behavior
  • Unsteady gait or difficulty walking
  • Impaired motor skills

Impact on Infected Horses and Humans

The outbreak had dire consequences for the infected subjects:

  • Out of five infected horses, four died from the infection.
  • In terms of human casualties, one out of two infected staff members died.

Transmission of the Hendra Virus

The study suggested preclinical transmission of the Hendra virus, implying it was likely that:

  • Horses were contagious before they showed clinical signs of the disease
  • The virus was spreading undetected, leading to increased exposure amongst the horse population and humans in close contact with them

This study’s findings provide critical insight into the understanding of the Hendra virus and highlight the importance of preventing and controlling such outbreaks, especially in veterinary clinics and other settings where animals and humans regularly interact.

Cite This Article

APA
Field H, Schaaf K, Kung N, Simon C, Waltisbuhl D, Hobert H, Moore F, Middleton D, Crook A, Smith G, Daniels P, Glanville R, Lovell D. (2010). Hendra virus outbreak with novel clinical features, Australia. Emerg Infect Dis, 16(2), 338-340. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1602.090780

Publication

Emerging infectious diseases
ISSN: 1080-6059
NlmUniqueID: 9508155
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 16
Issue: 2
Pages: 338-340

Researcher Affiliations

Field, Hume
  • Biosecurity Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. hume.fi eld@dpi.qld.gov.au
Schaaf, Kylie
    Kung, Nina
      Simon, Craig
        Waltisbuhl, David
          Hobert, Heather
            Moore, Frederick
              Middleton, Deborah
                Crook, Allison
                  Smith, Greg
                    Daniels, Peter
                      Glanville, Ron
                        Lovell, David

                          MeSH Terms

                          • Animals
                          • Australia / epidemiology
                          • Disease Outbreaks / veterinary
                          • Hendra Virus / isolation & purification
                          • Henipavirus Infections / mortality
                          • Henipavirus Infections / veterinary
                          • Horse Diseases / mortality
                          • Horse Diseases / virology
                          • Horses
                          • Humans
                          • Immunohistochemistry
                          • Mortality

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