Scientists in China discover new tick-borne virus that causes flu-like illness
Scientists in China have identified a new tick-borne virus called the Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV). The discovery was made while investigating patients who tested negative for other known tick-borne hemorrhagic fevers.
Why it matters
Identifying new zoonotic viruses is critical for public health preparedness and preventing potential future outbreaks of tick-borne diseases.
by Mary Van Beusekom, University of Minnesota
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Robert Egan
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Add as preferred source Unfed female Haemaphysalis longicornis, ventral (underside) view, about 2.3 mm long. Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Longhorned_tick_(Haemaphysalis_longicornis).png?uselang=en#Licensing Scientists in China have identified a novel tick-borne virus that causes an influenza-like illness characterized by fever, fatigue, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and abnormal lab findings. The team, led by researchers from the State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity in Beijing, has designated the new orthonairovirus as the Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV).
Their discovery, published in the New England Journal of Medicine , stemmed from a probe into why 30% of patients with signs and symptoms of Dabie bandavirus (DBV) infection test negative for tick-borne hemorrhagic fever.
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