2024-09-10 14:39:43
Chinese researchers have discovered a new tick-borne virus that can affect multiple human organs, including the brain and nervous system. The discovery was published Wednesday (4/9) in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The study showed that the wetland virus (WELV), as it was named, is transmitted by five different species of ticks, with Haemaphysalis concinna a mais comum.
In June 2019, a 61-year-old man was admitted to a hospital in Jinzhou, China, after experiencing persistent fever and multiple organ dysfunction after being bitten by a tick in a wetland park in Mongolia.
The patient was treated with antibiotics, but the medications did not improve his symptoms, suggesting he was suffering from a viral rather than bacterial infection.
Sequencing tests revealed infection with an unknown orthonairovirus, designated wetland virus (WELV). In these cases, patients become infected after contact with blood or tissue from infected animals.
The discovery resulted from a study of about 14,600 ticks in northern China. The researchers found the virus in five different species of ticks, on sheep, horses and pigs in the area.
More than 20 cases of tick-borne disease
The researchers also found that at least 20 people had also been infected with the virus in China and Mongolia. All were hospitalized with persistent fevers, similar to the 61-year-old man.
These patients also presented with nonspecific symptoms, including fever, dizziness, headache, malaise, muscle pain, arthritis, and back pain. Some of them also presented with small brownish-purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin and swollen glands. One patient presented with neurological symptoms.
All patients who received treatment were discharged from hospital within four to 15 days.
“We conducted hospital-based active surveillance to determine the prevalence of WELV infection among febrile patients with a history of tick bites,” the researchers said in the paper.
The new study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.
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Table of Contents
Breaking News: Newly Discovered Tick-Borne Wetland Virus Poses Threat to Human Health
In a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Chinese researchers have identified a new tick-borne virus that can affect multiple human organs, including the brain and nervous system [[1]]. The discovery of the Wetland virus (WELV) has raised health concerns globally, particularly in regions where tick-borne diseases are prevalent.
Origin of the Outbreak
The first reported case of WELV was a 61-year-old man who was admitted to a hospital in Jinzhou, China, in June 2019, after being bitten by a tick in a wetland park in Mongolia [[2]]. The patient experienced persistent fever and multiple organ dysfunction, which did not respond to antibiotic treatment, leading researchers to suspect a viral infection.
Transmission and Symptoms
The study revealed that WELV is transmitted by five different species of ticks, with Haemaphysalis concinna being the most common carrier [[3]]. The virus can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, dizziness, headache, malaise, muscle pain, arthritis, and back pain. In some cases, patients may also experience bleeding under the skin, swollen glands, and neurological symptoms.
Prevalence of WELV
Researchers conducted hospital-based active surveillance and found that at least 20 people in China and Mongolia have been infected with WELV, all of whom were hospitalized with persistent fevers and similar symptoms. Fortunately, all patients who received treatment were discharged from the hospital within four to 15 days.
Public Health Implications
The discovery of WELV highlights the importance of vigilance in monitoring tick-borne diseases, particularly in regions with high tick activity. As the virus can cause severe symptoms, including neurological damage, it is essential to take preventive measures to avoid tick bites. This includes wearing protective clothing, applying insect repellents, and conducting regular tick checks when spending time outdoors.
Conclusion
The emergence of WELV serves as a reminder of the importance of continued research and surveillance in the field of tick-borne diseases. As the global community becomes increasingly interconnected, it is crucial to stay informed about new and emerging health threats. By raising awareness about WELV and taking proactive measures to prevent tick bites, we can reduce the risk of infection and protect public health.
References:
What are the main symptoms associated with the newly discovered Wetland virus?
Breaking News: Newly Discovered Tick-Borne Wetland Virus Poses Threat to Human Health
In a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Chinese researchers have identified a new tick-borne virus that can affect multiple human organs, including the brain and nervous system [[1]]. The discovery of the Wetland virus (WELV) has raised health concerns globally, particularly in regions where tick-borne diseases are prevalent.
Origin of the Outbreak
The first reported case of WELV was a 61-year-old man who was admitted to a hospital in Jinzhou, China, in June 2019, after being bitten by a tick in a wetland park in Mongolia [[2]]. The patient experienced persistent fever and multiple organ dysfunction, which did not respond to antibiotic treatment, leading researchers to suspect a viral infection.
Transmission and Symptoms
The study revealed that WELV is transmitted by five different species of ticks, with Haemaphysalis concinna being the most common carrier [[3]]. The virus can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, dizziness, headache, malaise, muscle pain, arthritis, and back pain. In some cases, patients may also experience bleeding under the skin,
