A person has tested positive for the deadly Hendra virus following an outbreak among horses in Brisbane.
Queensland Health confirmed a Brisbane person tested positive yesterday.
A spokeswoman declined to say whether the affected person was male or female but confirmed they worked with the affected horses.
They were among a number of people tested for the virus following an outbreak among horses at a bayside veterinary clinic last week.
To date, all other people who had contact with sick horses are well.
Brisbane Southside Population Health Unit medical officer Dr Brad McCall said the affected person was admitted to a Brisbane hospital yesterday for observation and assessment and was discharged this afternoon.
"The person was in good spirits and not exhibiting apparent symptoms," he said.
Queensland Health will monitor the health of the person who has been advised to stay at home for a week.
There have been no recorded cases of the virus being spread between humans. Those who contracted Hendra in the past got the infection through close contact with affected horses.
"The risk of human to human spread of the virus is very minimal," Dr McCall said.
One thoroughbred racehorse died from the virus and a second horse had to be put down at the Redlands Veterinary Clinic, while a third horse died on the weekend at Cannonvale in north Queensland.
It was the worst outbreak of the disease since it killed trainer Vic Rail and 14 horses in 1994.
However, 37 other horses at the bayside facility have been cleared of the virus in preliminary tests.
Ron Glanville, Biosecurity Queensland's Chief Veterinary Officer, said there was no need for widespread concern.
"There are more than half a million horses in Queensland and although Hendra cases are still rare, some cases are expected periodically," Dr Glanville said.
"Fortunately, Hendra virus does not spread like equine influenza, and is very difficult to catch."
