Scientists are warning about a new virus discovered in China that is spread to humans through tick bites, and has the potential to cause brain problems.
Wetland virus (WELV) was first detected in a 61-year-old man who reported being bitten by ticks in a park at a large wetland in northern China. The unidentified patient complained of fever, headache, and vomiting five days after his visit, Live Science reports,
This case is of June 2019. Last week's details In the New England Journal of Medicine.
The newly discovered orthonaerovirus – the scientific name for a specific group of tick-borne viruses – prompted Chinese researchers to search for ticks and animals that might carry the virus.
They collected and analyzed nearly 14,600 ticks, and found WELV material in five tick species.
Haemaphysalis concinna, a rodent tick species that found mainly in In China, Russia and Central Europe, the most frequently tested positive.
According to Live Science, researchers also detected the virus in 17 hospitalized patients in China who developed symptoms within a month of the tick bite, as well as in some sheep, horses, pigs and rodents.
The virus caused fatal infections in laboratory mice that spread to the brain.
These people complained of fever, dizziness, headache, malaise, arthritis, back pain and nausea. One person who went into a coma had a very high number of white blood cells in the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
The virus caused tissue damage and blood clots, but the good news is that all patients recovered and were discharged four to 15 days after treatment.
In the US, Ticks are top of mind with Lyme disease is becoming more prevalent,
New York-Presbyterian recommends Avoid leaves and tall grass. If you go into a wooded, leafy area, spray your clothing with the insecticide permethrin first.
Wearing light-colored clothing will allow you to see ticks on your clothing, while wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants will keep them from getting onto your skin.
After you've been hiking, camping or gardening, be sure to check for ticks inside your hair, ears, armpits, groin, behind the knees and navel.
