What is the Hendra virus?
Hendra virus was originally discovered when a small group of horses and people in Australia developed an unusual neurological and respiratory state. Only three people were influenced by Hendra Virus, but two of these three people died. Scientists are currently looking for medicines for this rare disease and preventive measures should be taken until they find out effective treatment.
formerly referred to as horse morbillivirus, the Hendra virus is assumed that it comes from the type of bat called flying fox. These species of bats infected horses in Australia when the horse's food was contaminated by an infected with a bat, faecal matter or body fluid. Infected horses infected people when they secreted mucus, saliva, blood or other fluids; People came into contact with these liquids through the mouth, noses, eyes or open sores. It is not expected that the Hendra virus spreads from one person to another person or from the flying fox bat to the People.
Because it is an extremely rare disease, there are few people,who were confirmed as an infected Hendra virus. Those infected were tested on the virus and usually had symptoms similar to the influenza virus. These symptoms included headaches, cough, sore throat, fever and lethargy. At least in one case, encephalitis occurred, which caused the brain of the affected individual to be inflated. When a sick horse infects a person, it can take anywhere from five days to three weeks for the symptoms to be.
Research is still in progress to determine the best treatment for people infected with Hendra. There is currently no treatment, but Ribavirin has proved to be an effective medicine in the laboratory environment. Of the people infected with this disease, the best treatment was adopted when symptoms were treated in a hospital environment. For Examples, reducing fever and maintaining lungs clear with general medical services worked well.
Scientists at the momentThey study ways to prevent infection in horses. While working on the vaccine, they also encourage horses to store horse food in areas where bats cannot be contaminated. To avoid spreading to humans, good hygiene, such as hand washing, especially if it takes care of horses. In addition, any cuts or open wounds should be covered. Contact with liquids from horses should also be paid to attention.