Beyond the Headlines: Why Henipaviruses Warrant Our Attention

Authors: Biplab Adhikari

Year: 2025

Journal: Acta Medica (Hradec Králové)

DOI: 10.14712/18059694.2025.11

Summary

This paper discusses the significance of henipaviruses (Hendra and Nipah viruses) as zoonotic threats with high mortality rates and limited therapeutic options. It highlights recent discoveries and the need for expanded research into effective antivirals, vaccines, and enhanced surveillance.

Key Findings

• Henipaviruses (HeV and NiV) have high mortality rates in humans (60% and 92% respectively)
• Clinical presentation of henipaviruses can range from mild influenza-like symptoms to severe encephalitis and/or respiratory failure
• First reported case of henipavirus was in Australia in 1994, followed by an outbreak in Malaysia in 1998–1999

Methodology

• Study Type: Review

Topics

Henipaviruses, Zoonotic diseases, Epidemiology, Public health

Relevance

The paper emphasizes the need for expanded research into effective antivirals, vaccines, and enhanced surveillance due to henipaviruses' high mortality rates and limited therapeutic options.

Source

View the entire paper: File:Am 2025068010001.pdf