A new study has uncovered a virus that researchers say spread from a shrew in eastern China.
Named " Langya virus ", the condition is part of a wider group of henipaviruses, which are rare - but emerging - infections that have been seen in the Asia-Pacific region. There have been 35 cases of the virus spotted, with researchers saying that the condition was first identified in a 53-year-old woman in 2018.
The 35 cases are not part of an ongoing outbreak, they were logged between December 2018 and May 2021. The condition has mostly affected farmers, and research has found that leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and impaired liver or kidney function may lead to a slightly higher risk based on those infected.
Here is key information that we know so far surrounding the condition for those who may be concerned about its dangers.
What is Langya henipavirus?
Langya henipavirus (LayV) is a new henipavirus that was identified in China by researchers.
It is part of the henipavirus group, which has been around since the 1990s. The more well-known strains in this group are the Hendra virus and the Nipah virus, both of which are mostly carried by fruit bats and are believed to be mostly transmitted from animals to people.
There is still a lot to learn about this group of viruses, with the British Medical Journal saying that henipaviral diseases have been added to the World Health Organisation's list of epidemic threats that require urgent research and development action.
Is Langya henipavirus dangerous?
While it is a new virus and there is still much to be uncovered about the Langya henipavirus, other strains of henipavirus can range in severity and have a high mortality rate, according to the British Medical Journal. They also say that these viruses can cause persistent fatigue, drowsiness, and/or neurological impairment.
The 35 people who were infected are still alive and none have developed serious illnesses, according to China's Global Times.
While the health risks could be severe, Olivier Restiff from the University of Cambridge says that the likelihood of spread is fairly low. Speaking to the New Scientist, he said that the virus should not be a major cause for concern due to the manner in which it spreads.
He says: "The only henipavirus that has showed some sign of human-to-human transmission is the Nipah virus and that requires very close contact."
Restiff adds that Langya henipavirus will likely not have much pandemic potential because of this.
Langya henipavirus symptoms
While 35 cases have been reported, researchers have only logged symptoms for 26 of those infected as the others showed signs of another infection.
Of the 26 of those infected with Langya henipavirus, the possible symptoms are as follows:
- Fever (affecting all of those who were infected)
- Fatigue (affecting 54 percent)
- Cough (affecting 50 percent)
- Muscle aches and pains (affecting 46 percent)
- Nausea (affecting 38 percent)
- Headache (affecting 35 percent)
- Vomiting (affecting 35 percent)
These symptoms are based on a small number of infected people and could change as further research is carried out.
Talking about the two dominant henipavirus strains, the British Medical Journal says: "Nipah and Hendra viruses cause encephalitis [inflammation of active brain tissues], although respiratory and influenza-like presentations are also common. Diagnosis is confirmed with serology or molecular testing."
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