Scientists say the tick species has a much wider distribution across Europe and other parts of Asia, which means it has spread far and wide
China has discovered a new Wetland virus, which infected a patient in 2019 after he was bitten by a tick while visiting a park in Inner Mongolia, causing multiple organ dysfunction, according to a new study. The research, which sequenced the genetic material extracted from a blood sample of the patient, found the virus – which is a close relative of other tick-transmitted viruses including Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever – with a fatality rate of over 30 per cent.
According to the study, the Wetland virus is a member of the orthonairovirus genus in the Nairoviridae family.
How was the virus discovered?
The research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, had a team of scientists from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, screen other patients from across north-eastern China who had developed an acute fever within one month of a tick bite. This led to them identifying another 17 cases of wetland virus infection – confirming the virus was well-established in the region.
Also, a huge ecological survey was conducted to find the source of the wetland virus. The scientists studied ticks, along with livestock and wild animals living in the region – which are the hosts – in detail to find out about the pathogens. According to researchers, a few sheep, pigs, and horses in the park were infected - suggesting livestock could be reservoirs for wetland virus.
Where is Wetland Virus found?
According to the study, Wetland Virus - as of now is only found in north-eastern China, has a much wider distribution across Europe and other parts of Asia, which means it has spread far and wide.
What are the signs and symptoms of Wetland virus?
Scientists say like other tick-borne diseases, the non-specific signs and symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Cold and cough
According to experts, a few characteristics of tick-borne diseases make them difficult to identify as the symptoms are similar to many other conditions. However, new genetic sequencing techniques, including the one used to identify the wetland virus, have made the spotting of these pathogens easy.
Why are new tick-borne diseases being identified?
According to experts, there are several reasons why new types of tick-borne diseases are being discovered – due to climate change. Scientists say tick activity is strongly affected by temperature and humidity, and so changes in climate affect when ticks become active and create conditions that allow them to thrive in areas that were not suitable earlier.
Viruses like encephalitis were historically seen only in parts of Asia and Central and Eastern Europe, but recently, cases have been reported in the Netherlands, and the UK – which experts say is concerning.
Ways to protect yourself from tick-borne diseases
A few ways to protect yourself from tick-borne diseases include:
- Wear long trousers and use repellent sprays when hiking and camping in grassy and wooded areas
- Thoroughly check yourself for ticks when you get home
- Make sure to wash your hands and feet properly
- If you are bitten, as soon as possible remove the tick carefully
- If you develop a rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms, visit a doctor immediately.
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