A previously unknown virus, ALTNV, transmitted by Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks and causing severe illness, has been identified in China, reports infohub.kz.
Researchers from Beijing State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosafety discovered the new virus, which belongs to the genus Orthonairovirus. The finding came during a survey of 3,163 patients with symptoms resembling those of Dabie bandavirus (DBV). In 10.4% of patients, tests for DBV were negative, prompting scientists to continue their search for the pathogen.
The new virus causes symptoms similar to influenza A: high fever, severe fatigue, and gastrointestinal disorders. Of serious concern to specialists is the fact that ALTNV circulates in the same regions and is carried by the same Asian ticks as the Dabie virus, which has a fatality rate of up to 30%. In patients co-infected with both viruses, severe kidney and respiratory damage has been observed.
Genetic tests confirmed that ALTNV is a completely new pathogen, not a mutation of known strains. Since there is currently no specific treatment or antibiotics for the infection, scientists urge enhanced differential diagnosis and precautionary measures when traveling to endemic regions.