Hendra virus investigation warning - nested content

Warning: Safety of people is the primary consideration when investigating potential Hendra virus (HeV) cases in animals. If you are concerned about your health, you should:

• seek medical advice and contact your local GP
• contact your nearest Queensland Health Public Health Unit
• contact the Queensland Health 24-hour hotline on 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

Apply the precautionary principle. An infected horse can excrete HeV in nasal or nasopharyngeal secretions for several days before the onset of clinical signs. A horse with severe clinical signs poses the greatest transmission risk to other horses and humans through a range of body fluids and excretions.