China has discovered a new wetland virus that infected a patient after he was bitten by a tick while visiting a park in Inner Mongolia in 2019, causing multiple organ failure, according to a new study . The research, which sequenced genetic material extracted from patient blood samples, found the virus – which is a close relative of other tick-transmitted viruses including Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever – which has a mortality rate of more than 30 percent.

According to study, wetland virus is a member of orthonaerovirus in genus Nairoviridae Family.

How was the virus discovered?

Research, published in New England Journal of MedicineA team of scientists from the National Natural Science Foundation of China examined other patients in north-eastern China who developed acute fever within a month of a tick bite. This helped them identify another 17 cases of wetland virus infection – confirming that the virus was well established in the region.

Additionally, a massive ecological survey was also conducted to find the source of the wetland virus. Scientists studied the ticks in detail, along with livestock and wild animals living in the area – which are the hosts – to find out about the pathogen. According to the researchers, some sheep, pigs and horses in the park were infected – suggesting that livestock may be a reservoir for the wetland virus.

Where is wetland virus found?,

According to the study, the wetland virus – so far found only in north-eastern China, has a much wider distribution in Europe and other parts of Asia, meaning it has spread far and wide.

What are the symptoms of wetland virus?

Scientists say that like other tick-borne diseases, non-specific signs and symptoms include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Tiredness
• body pain
• cold and cough

According to experts, certain characteristics of tick-borne diseases make them difficult to recognize because the symptoms are similar to many other conditions. However, new genetic sequencing technologies, including those used to identify wetland viruses, have made it easier to detect these pathogens.

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 – including climate change. Scientists say that tick activity is strongly influenced by temperature and humidity, and so changes in climate influence when ticks become active and create conditions that allow them to thrive in areas that were previously suitable. Were not.

Encephalitis-like viruses were historically only seen in Asia and parts of Central and Eastern Europe, but recently, cases have been reported in the Netherlands and the UK – which experts say is worrying.

Ways to protect yourself from tick-borne diseases

Some ways to protect yourself from tick-borne diseases include:

• Wear long pants and use repellent spray when hiking and camping in grassy or wooded areas
• Check yourself thoroughly for ticks when you get home
• Make sure to wash your hands and feet properly
• If you are bitten, carefully remove the tick as soon as possible.
• If you develop a rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

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