A mystery virus started killing horses, then humans, in 1994

Don't make the mistake that a superb medical system exists here. It does not, with the bulk of diagnostic medical folks I have encountered could easily be described as daft or only there to punch in their time sheet, much of desperate folks troubles lands in the too hard / don't want to know basket from what I've seen if there is no easy diagnostic path.

I've heard over the years accounts of a good number of people in my locale (North of Mackay) which have had chronic fatigue like illnesses, few ever get a clear diagnosis and most get to a point of recovery where they are told it's just part of getting older. However there is a range of nasty known viruses which really haven't had the greatest research conducted on long term health outcomes. I myself was an avid bush walker have ended up seriously sick after a weekend exploring the not-oft travelled dark corner of various properties and into the far reaches of the national parks about. There's only been one which I can definitely say was the case, due to the time lag and the fact the other person also got sick with the same hellish symptoms, the mountain transit was the only common factor. Thankfully there was no easy transmission, I've always been one who isolates but the other bloke was around his family but he also fared much better and not as sick.

Hendra's interest and quicker than usual discovery IMHO, was motivated by the fact it touched on something the big end of town was invested in, pony clubs and horse racing.