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Hendra virus

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Fact sheet - Health conditions directory.

Information for people exposed to a horse infected with Hendra virus – Health conditions directory.

Hendra virus was discovered following an outbreak of illness in horses in a large racing stable in the suburb of Hendra, Brisbane in 1994. The natural host for Hendra virus is the flying fox. The virus can spread from flying foxes to horses, horses to horses and rarely, from horses to people. Since Hendra virus was identified in 1994, more than 90 horses are known to have been infected. These animals have either died as a direct result of their infection or have been euthanised. Several hundred people have been exposed to Hendra virus infected horses but have not been infected. However, 7 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.

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  • Time out poster (PDF 160kB) - guidelines for minimum exclusion periods for cases and contacts attending schools, pre-schools and child care centres.





Last updated: 5 June 2023

Condition information

Search this database of all notifable conditions and find:

  • control guidelines
  • notification requirements
  • health alert information
  • Resources

Communicable diseases contacts

Ph: +61 7 3328 9724 / 9728
Fax: +61 7 3328 9782
Page content queries
Find: local public health unit

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