China Confirms New Virus named Langya Henipavirus has affected 35 people
COVID-19 and monkeypox continue to pose a threat to countries around the world, but a new zoonotic virus is making headlines in China. In the Chinese provinces of Shandong and Henan, this new animal-derived Henipavirus, known as the Langya Henipavirus, has infected 35 people.
According to the state-run Global Times, throat swab samples from feverish patients in eastern China had been discovered to contain the Langya Henipavirus.
Fever, tiredness, cough, anorexia, myalgia and nausea have all been reported by those who have been infected. Henipavirus does not have a vaccine or medication at this time.
Langya Henipavirus has been linked to 26 cases of fever, irritability, cough, anorexia, myalgia, and vomiting in the 35 people who have been exposed to it so far. White blood cell depletion, a low platelet count, liver failure, and renal failure are all symptoms of infection, according to the Taipei Times.
Deputy Director-General Chuang Jen-hsiang of Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control noted that human-to-human transmission of the virus has not yet been documented. He stated that none of the 35 afflicted people had a history of close contact or shared exposure. Even among close contacts, contact tracing revealed no evidence of viral transmission. But the CDC has not ruled out the possibility of transmission from one person to another.
However, there have been no fatalities or major injuries in these incidents. Duke-NUS Medical School Professor Wang Linfa urged people not to worry but to remain aware because many viruses that exist in nature might have surprising outcomes when they infect humans.