A newly discovered virus in China has raised alarm among health experts, who caution that this tick-borne pathogen could cause severe neurological diseases. The virus, commonly referred to as the Wetland Virus (WELV), was first identified in a 61-year-old man in 2019 after he visited a wetland park in Inner Mongolia. This discovery, published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), has prompted concerns about its potential health impact.
What is the Wetland Virus?
The Wetland Virus is an orthonairovirus, a family of viruses that can cause severe diseases in humans. It was discovered after a patient presented with persistent fever and multiple organ dysfunction following a tick bite in a wetland park. The virus was officially named WELV, and subsequent research has confirmed 17 cases of the infection, all in Inner Mongolia.
Symptoms of Wetland Virus
The characteristic symptoms of Wetland Virus infection include:
-
Fever
-
Dizziness
-
Headache
-
Malaise
-
Myalgia (muscle pain)
-
Arthritis
-
Back pain
One of the most concerning aspects of the virus is its potential to cause neurological symptoms. In one reported case, a patient developed severe neurologic complications, including coma due to a high white blood cell count in the brain and spinal fluid.
The Spread and Hosts of the Virus
Extensive research was carried out following the discovery, which involved analyzing more than 14,000 ticks. Scientists found that ticks from the species Haemaphysalis concinna were the most likely carriers of the virus. In addition to ticks, WELV RNA was detected in several animals, including sheep, horses, pigs, and Transbaikal zokors, small rodents native to northeastern China. These findings suggest that the virus has a broad range of hosts and can spread through multiple species.
Is the Wetland Virus Deadly?
While many cases of the Wetland Virus have presented with mild symptoms like fever and dizziness, it has shown the potential for severe complications. Laboratory experiments on mice demonstrated that the virus can cause fatal nervous system damage. This raises concerns about its ability to cause neurological disorders in humans, especially given the one known case of a patient falling into a coma.
Other Tick-Borne Diseases to Watch Out For
Ticks are notorious for transmitting a variety of harmful diseases. Apart from the Wetland Virus, other common tick-borne illnesses include:
-
Lyme disease (the most commonly reported tick-borne disease in the U.S.)
-
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS)
-
Anaplasmosis
-
Ehrlichiosis
-
Babesiosis
-
Powassan (POW) virus
-
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
-
Tularemia
The spread of tick-borne diseases is an ongoing global health concern, and the discovery of the Wetland Virus adds to the list of potentially deadly pathogens spread through these tiny insects.
What’s Next?
As scientists continue to study the Wetland Virus, the need for heightened awareness and prevention becomes critical. Protective measures such as wearing appropriate clothing when visiting tick-infested areas, using tick repellents, and performing tick checks after outdoor activities are crucial in preventing tick bites and the potential transmission of the Wetland Virus.
The medical community is closely monitoring the spread of the virus and conducting further research to better understand its neurological impact and the risks it poses to public health.