Living with Hendra virus infection
A rare virus infection passed from horses to people, starting with flu-like symptoms.
Understanding Hendra virus infection
Flu-like symptoms begin about one week after contact. They include fever, muscle aches, headaches, and tiredness. Brain and nerve symptoms such as vertigo, confusion, and loss of balance have also been reported, along with breathing problems. It can occur at any time in life.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD describes these signs:
- Fever
- Muscle aches (myalgia)
- Headache
- Tiredness (lethargy)
- Vertigo and confusion
- Poor coordination (ataxia)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by the Hendra virus, spread through close contact with the bodily fluids of infected horses.
Also known as: hendra henipavirus caused disease or disorder; hendra henipavirus disease or disorder; hendra henipavirus infectious disease; infection caused by hendra virus
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Hendra virus infection.
Explore research for Hendra virus infection
Explore actively recruiting Hendra virus infection studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Hendra virus infection with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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