Nipah and Hendra virus infectious diseases

Nipah and Hendra virus were first identified in mid 1990s in Australia and Malaysia, caus- ing epidemics with high mortality rate in affected animals and humans. Since their first emer- gence, they continued to re-emerge in Australia and South East Asia almost every year. Nipah and Hendra virus were classified in the new genus Henipavirus because of their un- common features amongst Paramyxoviridae. Henipaviruses are zoonotic paramyxoviruses with a broad tropism, and cause severe acute respiratory disease and encephalitis. Their high virulence and wide host range make them to be given Biosecurity Level 4 status. This review summarizes details of Henipavirus emergence, reservoir hosts and pathology, and introduce recent progress in vaccines and antivirals.