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New tick-borne virus that can cause flu-like illness discovered in China
New York Post • • health
Key Points:
- Chinese scientists have discovered a new tick-borne virus named Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV) that causes flu-like symptoms, fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, thrombocytopenia, and liver inflammation.
- The virus was identified in 10.4% of 3,163 patients bitten by ticks and is genetically distinct from the previously known Dabie bandavirus (DBV), which also causes severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome.
- Co-infection with ALTNV and DBV increases the risk of respiratory and kidney complications, with a mortality rate of 18.4% among co-infected patients during the study.
- ALTNV symptoms resemble the flu, and while it can cause low platelet counts, severe bleeding and deaths were linked only to DBV co-infection; currently, no specific antivirals exist for ALTNV, so treatment is supportive.
- Experts emphasize preventive measures against tick bites, such as wearing protective clothing, using repellents, and promptly removing ticks, while highlighting the importance of identifying the specific virus for proper diagnosis and treatment.
