Scientists discover new tick-borne virus in China

A group of Chinese scientists have discovered a new type of virus transmitted through tick bites - the Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV),

According to Report, the findings of the study were published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

ALTNV was discovered while studying another disease, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS).

While examining patients diagnosed with SFTS, scientists were unable to detect the causative agent of the disease, Dabie bandavirus (DBV), in 30% of the patients. As a result, they identified a new virus that causes symptoms similar to those of SFTS.

Like Dabie bandavirus, ALTNV is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. After being bitten, a person may develop weakness and digestive problems.

Unlike Dabie bandavirus, no deaths have so far been confirmed as a result of ALTNV infection. However, among patients co-infected with both viruses, seven out of 38 died.