According to the material, which animal is the typical source of Hendra virus infection for humans?

According to the material, which animal is the typical source of Hendra virus infection for humans?

• A. Fruit bat
• B. Other bat species
• C. Infected horse
• D. Environmental contamination

Answer: (C)

Hendra virus infections in humans almost always come through an intermediate animal rather than directly from the bats. Fruit bats are the natural reservoir, shedding the virus into the environment, but humans typically become infected after close contact with an infected horse, which contracted the virus from bat-contaminated material. The horse then serves as the direct source of exposure to humans. Direct transmission from bats to people or from the environment is less common, which is why an infected horse is the best answer for the typical human source.

Hendra virus infections in humans almost always come through an intermediate animal rather than directly from the bats. Fruit bats are the natural reservoir, shedding the virus into the environment, but humans typically become infected after close contact with an infected horse, which contracted the virus from bat-contaminated material. The horse then serves as the direct source of exposure to humans. Direct transmission from bats to people or from the environment is less common, which is why an infected horse is the best answer for the typical human source.