A new virus that is transmitted through tick bites and has the potential to cause neurological problems has been discovered in China. It is the Wetland virus (Welv) that was detected in a 61-year-old man who said he was bitten by a tick in a large wetland in Mongolia. The man suffered from fever, headache and vomiting. The case, which dates back to June 2019, was analyzed in a study in the ‘New England Journal of Medicine’ by the Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology.
Wetland virus is a member of the group of viruses transmitted specifically by ticks (orthonairovirus), researchers collected and analyzed nearly 14,600 ticks and found the Wetland virus in 5 species. Under the lens especially ‘Haemaphysalis concinnà which lives mainly in China, Russia and Central Europe, and tested positive for the new virus in most cases. The researchers then analyzed blood samples. Acute Welv infection was identified in 17 patients from Inner Mongolia, and in the provinces of China Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning.
“These patients presented with nonspecific symptoms including fever, dizziness, headache, malaise, myalgia, arthritis, and back pain, and less frequently skin spots and localized lymph node swelling. One patient presented with neurological symptoms,” the study states. “Serological evaluation of convalescent phase samples obtained from 8 patients showed Welv-specific antibodies that were 4-fold higher than those of acute phase samples.” All patients recovered – after receiving antivirals, antibiotics, or immunoglobulins – with no long-term effects.
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2024-09-12 15:56:06
Table of Contents
Breaking News: Newly Discovered Wetland Virus in China Raises Concerns
A recent discovery in China has sent shockwaves through the medical community, as a new tick-borne virus, dubbed the Wetland virus (WELV), has been identified. The virus, which belongs to the group of viruses transmitted specifically by ticks (orthonairovirus), has the potential to cause neurological problems. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Wetland virus, its symptoms, and what researchers have learned about this newly discovered threat.
The First Case
The Wetland virus was first detected in a 61-year-old man who was bitten by a tick in a large wetland in northern China [[1][2][3]]. The man suffered from fever, headache, and vomiting, which led researchers to investigate further.
Symptoms of the Wetland Virus
According to studies, patients infected with the Wetland virus may exhibit nonspecific symptoms, including fever, dizziness, headache, malaise, myalgia, arthritis, and back pain [[1]]. In some cases, skin spots and localized lymph node swelling have also been reported. More concerning is the fact that one patient presented with neurological symptoms, highlighting the potential severity of the virus [[1]].
The Vector: Ticks
Researchers collected and analyzed nearly 14,600 ticks, finding the Wetland virus in five species [[1]]. The Haemaphysalis concinna tick, which lives mainly in China, Russia, and Central Europe, was found to be particularly susceptible to the virus.
Transmission and Infection
The Wetland virus is transmitted through tick bites, and researchers have identified acute WELV infection in 17 patients from Inner Mongolia and the provinces of China, including Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning [[1]].
Precautions and Next Steps
As the medical community continues to learn more about the Wetland virus, it is essential to take precautions to prevent tick bites. Individuals can reduce their risk of infection by wearing protective clothing, applying insect repellents, and conducting regular tick checks when spending time outdoors.
the discovery of the Wetland virus highlights the importance of continued research into tick-borne illnesses and the need for vigilance in monitoring and preventing the spread of new diseases. As more information becomes available, we will provide updates on this developing story.
References:
– What are the symptoms associated with the Wetland virus (Welv) discovered in China?
New Tick-Borne Virus Discovered in China: Wetland Virus (Welv) Linked to Neurological Disease
A recent discovery in China has sent shockwaves through the medical community, as a new tick-borne virus has been identified, capable of spreading to humans and causing neurological problems. Dubbed the Wetland virus (Welv), this virus was first detected in a 61-year-old man who was bitten by a tick in a large wetland in Mongolia[[[2]]. The man suffered from fever, headache, and vomiting, and his case was analyzed in a study published in the ‘New England Journal of Medicine’ by the Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology.
The Wetland virus is a member of the group of viruses transmitted specifically by ticks (orthonairovirus), and researchers collected and analyzed nearly 14,600 ticks, finding the Wetland virus in five species [[1]]. The tick species ‘Haemaphysalis concinnà’, which lives mainly in China, Russia, and Central Europe, was found to be a primary carrier of the new virus[[[3]].
Blood samples were then analyzed, and acute Welv infection was identified in 17 patients from Inner Mongolia and the provinces of China Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning. The patients presented with nonspecific symptoms including fever, dizziness, headache, malaise, myalgia, arthritis, and back pain, as well as skin spots and localized lymph node swelling in some cases[[[2]]. One patient even exhibited neurological symptoms, highlighting the potential severity of the virus.
The study also found that serological evaluation of convalescent phase samples obtained from eight patients showed Welv-specific antibodies that were four-fold higher than those of acute phase samples. This suggests that the virus can cause a significant immune response in those infected.
The discovery of the Wetland virus has significant implications for public health, particularly in regions where ticks are prevalent. As ticks are known to transmit various diseases, including Lyme disease and others, the emergence of a new tick-borne virus highlights the need for increased awareness and vigilance.
Further research is needed to fully understand the transmission dynamics and prevalence of the Wetland virus, as well as its potential impact on human health. In the meantime, individuals are advised to take precautions when spending time outdoors in areas where ticks are common, such as wearing protective clothing and applying insect repellents.
References:
[1] https://www.livescience.com/health/viruses-infections-disease/new-tick-borne-virus-discovered-in-china-can-affect-the-brain-scientists-report
[2] https://www.allodocteurs.fr/un-nouveau-virus-transmis-par-les-tiques-detecte-en-chine-ce-que-lon-sait-38161.html
[3] https://www.foxnews.com/health/tick-borne-wetland-virus-newly-discovered-china-could-cause-damage-brain-researchers-say
