Hope Hendra virus antibody therapy will stop deadly disease developing in two humans exposed to infected horse

Two people who were in close contact with a horse infected with Hendra virus in Mackay, North Queensland, will receive an antibody therapy on "compassionate" grounds, aimed at preventing them from developing the deadly disease.

One is deemed to be at high risk of contracting Hendra virus and the other is considered moderate-to-high risk, after exposure to the infected horse's respiratory secretions.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service said five people had been identified as having had contact with the infected horse, which had since been euthanised.

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Article written by: Janelle Miles