Joint Press Release :Hendra-Like Virus Infection Confirmed In Abattoir Workers

The US Centre of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta has confirmed that of the 15 blood samples (from abattoir workers) sent to CDC (Atlanta) for testing (from 20 March 1999), 11 tested positive for the Hendra-like virus.

The 11 cases which tested positive for the Hendra-like virus comprised the 8 abattoir workers admitted for meningo-encephalitis (including the deceased abattoir worker); one admitted for fever and other complaints; and two others admitted for observation at the Communicable Diseases Centre (CDC), Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), for low-grade fever.

Of the 4 cases which tested negative for the Hendra-like virus, one was admitted for fever and other complaints and 3 were under observation at CDC (TTSH) for low-grade fever. All 4 patients were discharged between 21 Mar 99 and 25 Mar 99.

Presently there are still 6 workers hospitalised. Five of them are stable and alert and one patient is still in serious condition but improving.

HENDRA-LIKE VIRUS

The Hendra-like virus is a new virus. This virus is similar to the Hendra virus which was responsible for the deaths of some horses and humans in Australia in 1994. However, genetic analysis of the new Hendra-like virus shows some significant differences from the Hendra virus. The virus also appears to be similar to that detected in Malaysia. The experts in CDC (Atlanta) are determining the exact nature of this new Hendra-like virus. These experts have noted that transmission of the virus has been confined to persons who have had direct contact with live infected pigs. There is no evidence to show that this virus can be transmitted from man-to-man.

HENDRA-LIKE VIRUS POSES NO RISK TO THE PUBLIC

The confirmation of a Hendra-like virus infection in the abattoir workers does not pose any risk to the public. Firstly, as the Hendra-like virus is spread from infected pigs to humans through close contact, the ban on import of live pigs effectively cuts off the source of infection. Secondly, as the Hendra-like virus is susceptible to disinfectants and soap, closing the abattoirs for thorough disinfection would have removed any Hendra-like virus from the abattoirs. Thirdly, the Hendra-like virus is not known to be transmitted from man to man. The ban on the import of live pigs and closure of the abattoirs for disinfection are thus effective measures for preventing the spread of the Hendra-like virus in Singapore.

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