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New Tick-Borne Virus Discovered in China
Confirmed
In Short: Scientists in China have identified a novel tick-borne virus causing flu-like symptoms, highlighting the ongoing challenge of diagnosing tick-borne illnesses.
Scientists in China have discovered a new tick-borne virus that causes flu-like symptoms, including fever, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The discovery came from an investigation into why 30% of patients with signs of Dabie bandavirus (DBV) infection did not test positive for the tick-borne hemorrhagic fever.
Researchers identified the new virus, named ALTNV, in 10.4% of 3,163 patients who had been bitten by ticks, and found it to be genetically distinct from DBV.
Since 2009, Chinese researchers have been tracking patients with unusual illnesses, including severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), underscoring the complexity of diagnosing tick-borne diseases.
The findings emphasize the importance of identifying specific viruses to accurately diagnose and treat tick-borne illnesses, as symptoms can overlap with many other infections.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- Dr. Sharon Nachman, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital in New York, shares what to know about the newly discovered Asian longhorned tick nairovirus.