Contents
1. Introduction 1- 2. Article Summary 2
- 3. Australian Infection Control Issues 4
- 4. Critical Analysis of Infection Control Issues 5
- 4.1. Transmission 5
- 4.2. Precaution and Management of Infected Horses 5
- 4.3. Infection of Veterinary Workers 6
- 5. Conclusion 6
- 6. References 8
Description
Hendra virus has caused serious outbreaks in the recent years in Australia resulting in the death of horses and humans. Hendra virus along with Nipah virus has been classified as paramyxoviruses (henipavirus) (Shirai & Matsumura, 2007). Research has proved that both these viruses are capable of causing diseases in horses which is then spread to humans. Hendra virus is a member of the family Paramyxovirade (CSIRO, 2005; Eaton, Broder, Middleton & Wang, 2006). Hendra virus was first identified in 1994 in Hendra, a suburb of Brisbane, Australia, when a fatal respiratory disease occurred in horses and humans. Hendra virus has proven to be highly fatal to both horses and humans (Aljofan et al., 2009; CSIRO, 2005; Field et al., 2010). Flying foxes (Fruit bats of the genus Pteropus) are considered to be the natural hosts to Hendra viruses. Bat to horse and horse to human spillovers has been identified so far but there has not been any direct bat to human spillover identified. Infection does not appear to readily transfer from bats to horses, or from horse to horse, or from horse to humans but once infected has a probability of 75% and 50% of a fatal outcome in horses and humans respectively (Field, 2009; Field et al., 2010). Hendra virus is classified as biosafety level 4 (BSL4) agents (CSIRO, 2005).
This report summarizes the 2010 article about the Hendra virus outbreak in Australia. The report also critically analyses the infection control issues using the current infection control guidelines.
