Scientists are tracking a novel animal-derived virus in eastern China that has infected at least 35 people, according to a letter published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The Langya henipavirus (LayV) was detected in patients in Shandong and Henan provinces, with symptoms including fever, fatigue, and cough.
The infections are believed to have originated from animals, with the virus found in 27% of shrews tested, suggesting these mole-like mammals may be natural reservoirs. About 5% of dogs and 2% of goats also tested positive. However, there is no evidence yet that LayV can spread between humans.
Researcher Wang Linfa from Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore told China's Global Times that the cases so far have not been fatal or serious, stating there is 'no need to panic.' He added, however, that vigilance is necessary as many viruses in nature can have unpredictable effects when they infect humans.
LayV is a henipavirus, a category of zoonotic viruses that can jump from animals to humans. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that three out of four emerging infectious diseases in people come from animals. The United Nations has warned that increased exploitation of wildlife and climate change will lead to more such diseases.
Taiwan's Center for Disease Control said on Sunday it was closely monitoring the development of LayV. Other henipaviruses, such as Nipah and Hendra, can be fatal to humans, but LayV has not shown such severity so far.
