Medical professionals have uncovered a frightening new tick-borne virus capable of making its way into and embedding itself in the brain, leading to potentially deadly outcomes.
At a Glance
- A new tick-borne virus, named wetland virus (WELV), has been discovered in humans.
- The first known human case involved a man from China who was bitten by ticks in Mongolia.
- Nearly two dozen people have been infected with WELV.
- The virus is spread by ticks and farm animals and can cause potentially fatal brain infections.
New Tick-Borne Virus Uncovered
Medical professionals have identified a new tick-borne virus named wetland virus (WELV) that has the ability to penetrate the brain, causing severe neurological damage. This discovery is alarming as it highlights the potential for deadly outcomes. The first known case involved a man from China who was bitten by ticks in Mongolia. Subsequent investigations revealed nearly two dozen people infected.
Transmission and Symptoms
WELV is primarily spread by ticks and farm animals. Common symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, poor appetite, and infected lymph nodes. Immediate treatment with antibiotics was found to be ineffective, leading to the discovery of the viral infection through blood tests. Researchers identified WELV as a previously unknown orthonairovirus, a family of viruses that includes highly fatal diseases like Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF).
Prevalence and Impact
Initial cases showed dizziness, headaches, back pain, nausea, and diarrhea, with potential for severe health issues like tissue damage and blood clotting disorders. Approximately twenty hospital patients with similar symptoms tested positive for WELV. All patients recovered and were discharged within four to fifteen days. Mice experiments confirmed WELV can cause severe infections, often fatal, affecting multiple organs.
“Three recognized species (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma ovis, and Anaplasma bovis) and one provisionally named species (Anaplasma capra) are associated with moderately severe to severe disease in humans,” the CDC reported.
Global Context and Further Research
In Northern China, researchers collected about 14,600 ticks and found five species carrying WELV, with Haemaphysalis concinna being the most common. An additional person in Maine recently died from an infection with Powassan virus, another rare tick-borne disease. Severe cases of Powassan virus can lead to encephalitis or meningitis, with symptoms like confusion, loss of coordination, and seizures.
Dr. David Walker, Executive Director at UTMB Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Disease, stated, “This is another anaplasma that affects humans so it’s the beginning of the story that we need to learn more about.” – Dr. David Walker
Future Directions and Prevention
To mitigate the spread and impact of WELV, researchers emphasize the need for improved surveillance and detection. This would help in understanding its broader effects on human health. Besides, preventing tick bites remains crucial in combating all tick-borne illnesses. As new disease threats emerge, the healthcare system must be proactive to safeguard public health against these invisible yet serious threats.
“Taken together, these data suggest that a newly discovered orthonairovirus, WELV, is pathogenic to humans … and circulates among humans, ticks, and various animals in northeastern China. Improving surveillance and detection for emerging orthonairoviruses will allow a better understanding of the effect that these viruses have on human health.” – the researchers concluded.
The public must remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from tick-borne diseases.
