Langya Virus
Context:
- In China, a new virus that may spread from animals to people has been found, infecting 35 individuals so far. The virus, known as Langya henipavirus (LayV), has been identified in two regions in eastern China.
What is the Langya Virus?
- An illustration of a zoonotic henipavirus is LayV. Henipaviruses make up the virus’s family. The Hendra virus, which was first discovered in the same-named suburb of Brisbane, and the Nipah virus are two previously recognized species that can cause serious diseases and are occasionally fatal.
- Henipavirus is categorized by the World Health Organization as a Level 4 biosafety threat. Data suggests that case fatality rates range between 40 and 75%.
How may a virus become zoonotic?
- An infectious disease that is spread between species—either from animals to people or from humans to animals—is known as a zoonotic disease.
- Zoonotic viruses include COVID-19, monkeypox, and Hendra virus, for instance (HeV).
Where did the Langya Virus come from?
- The shrew, a small mammal that resembles a mole, maybe a naturally occurring reservoir for LayV, according to test results from more than two dozen wild species.
- Existing patients had a prior history of animal encounters.
What Langya Virus signs and symptoms are there?
- Fever, exhaustion, a cough, appetite loss, muscle discomfort, nausea, headaches, and vomiting are some of the signs and symptoms of LayV.
Does the Langya Virus exist outside of China?
- There have been no cases outside of China documented. The report added that there has not been any evidence of LayV transmission from person to person.
