A new virus that originates in animals and can infect people has been discovered by experts. Eastern China is where the Langya henipavirus, or Langya virus, was initially discovered. RNA viruses called henipaviruses first appear in animals. However, specialists do not think that the virus can easily infect humans. Additionally, it does not appear to be fatal so far.
What Causes Langya Virus?
In an effort to identify the source animal of the Langya virus, researchers looked at goats, dogs, pigs, cattle, and other wild small animals. Along with viral RNA in a significant proportion of shrews, they discovered Langya virus antibodies in certain goats and dogs.
As a result, scientists believe that some species of shrews are carriers of the Langya virus. They contend that either these animals themselves or another species that has previously contracted the Langya virus from a shrew may infect humans.
But research indicates that only 35 individuals have had Langya since 2018. None of these incidents appears to be related. Thus, there is now no concern regarding a human-to-human transfer. However, experts wish to prevent further transmission of this pathogen.
The researchers who discovered the virus kept an eye on patients at three hospitals in eastern China. Fever patients between April 2018 and August 2021 were examined. The majority of the 35 infected individuals, according to the research team, were farmers. And the majority of them admitted that within a month of the start of their symptoms, they had come into contact with an animal.
Thankfully, current data have not revealed anything that would raise concerns about the Langya virus becoming a pandemic. But to keep this virus under control, scientists must maintain constantly test both humans and animals.
What Are the Symptoms of Langya Virus?
The Langya virus can result in respiratory issues with symptoms like:
- Fever
- Cough
- Fatigue
The virus is comparable to two other human-infecting henipaviruses. They consist of the Nipah and Hendra viruses. These viruses can be lethal, but they also cause respiratory infections.
How Do Doctors Treat Langya Virus?
Henipaviruses do not have approved treatments. Only a few antiviral treatments have been tried by experts in animal experiments. The Langya virus also has no particular vaccination.
But ribavirin might be an effective remedy. This drug is frequently prescribed by doctors for viral infections for which there is currently no cure. For RNA viruses and those that cause respiratory problems, ribavirin is helpful.
Ribavirin is effective against the Hendra and Nipah viruses, according to studies. These two might also be treated with chloroquine, a medication for malaria. Thus, if necessary, these two treatments may also aid in containing the Langya virus.
