Hendra patients won`t sign consent form

A group of four people undergoing revolutionary treatment for Hendra virus will
remain anonymous for the time being after declining to sign media consent forms.
The four are in the Rockhampton Hospital and are being treated intravenously with
the anti-viral drug ribavirin. Side effects include anaemia and birth defects.
A Queensland Health spokeswoman said they could not discuss personal details of the
four patients publicly until consent forms are signed.
Meanwhile, 18 people who have been exposed to the potentially deadly virus and have
received preliminary clearance results from their first round of tests will have
further tests in a fortnight.
A second round of testing is needed before anyone can be declared free of infection
from the virus, which the QH spokeswoman said had an "incubation period of 5-18
days".
A Hendra-infected horse died at the same property last Saturday.
The property's owner, John Brady, said horses at the stud were being tested daily.
Results from tests on 11 horses that were removed from the property before it was
quarantined are expected early next week.