Ishita Roy

Newly Discovered Tick-borne Virus In China Could Damage Your Brain

tick-borne virus

With the ongoing rise in different viruses, including mpox, Zika virus, etc., there is a new tick-borne disease called Wetland virus (WELV) discovered recently in China.

In 2019, WELV previously infected a man in Inner Mongolia China, however, it was not identified until a new study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine last week. 

The study says that a 61-year-old man who was bitten by a tick at a wetland park experiences "persistent fever and multiple organ dysfunction" and sought medical attention.

A team of Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology researchers isolated the virus from that patient to find that it was WELV.

The team tested the virus and detected in 17 other patients in China. The symptoms included fever, headache, dizziness, muscle pain, fatigue, back pain, arthritis, swollen lymph nodes and neurologic issues. 

Some also reported petechiae - spots on the skin caused by bleeding from capillaries. 

The scientific name of this virus is Orthonairovirus which attacks humans through tick bites and causes problems in the brain. 

This zoonotic virus is already present in animal species, wildlife, and livestock and now is an increasing concern towards human health. 

In lab mice, the study found that the brain got affected due to the virus and in humans fever, dizziness, headache, malaise, arthritis, back pain, and nausea are common symptoms. 

Some people can also go into a coma and can experience high white blood cell count and fluid that can surround the brain and spinal cord. The virus can also damage tissues and cause blood clotting.

Tick-borne diseases can transmit a wide range of viruses, some of which can cause severe conditions like hemorrhagic fever. While such cases are rare, they can be deadly, highlighting the need for vigilance.

Experts emphasise that the best way to prevent tick-borne illnesses is to protect against bites. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises avoiding areas where ticks thrive, such as wooded, grassy, or brushy environments. Ticks can also be found on animals.

To further protect yourself, the CDC recommends treating clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin and using EPA-registered insect repellents, such as those containing DEET. After spending time outdoors, it's important to check for ticks on your clothing, gear, and pets, and showering within a couple of hours is advised.

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With the ongoing rise in different viruses, including mpox, Zika virus, etc., there is a new tick-borne disease called Wetland virus (WELV) discovered recently in China. The OriginIn 2019, WELV previously infected a man in Inner Mongolia China, however, it was not identified until a new study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine last week. The study says that a 61-year-old man who was bitten by a tick at a wetland park experiences "persistent fever and multiple organ dysfunction" and sought medical attention. A team of Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology researchers isolated the virus from that patient to find that it was WELV.Signs and SymptomsThe team tested the virus and detected in 17 other patients in China. The symptoms included fever, headache, dizziness, muscle pain, fatigue, back pain, arthritis, swollen lymph nodes and neurologic issues. Some also reported petechiae - spots on the skin caused by bleeding from capillaries. What Is Wetland Virus?The scientific name of this virus is Orthonairovirus which attacks humans through tick bites and causes problems in the brain. This zoonotic virus is already present in animal species, wildlife, and livestock and now is an increasing concern towards human health. What Does This Virus Do?In lab mice, the study found that the brain got affected due to the virus and in humans fever, dizziness, headache, malaise, arthritis, back pain, and nausea are common symptoms. Some people can also go into a coma and can experience high white blood cell count and fluid that can surround the brain and spinal cord. The virus can also damage tissues and cause blood clotting.PreventionTick-borne diseases can transmit a wide range of viruses, some of which can cause severe conditions like hemorrhagic fever. While such cases are rare, they can be deadly, highlighting the need for vigilance.Experts emphasise that the best way to prevent tick-borne illnesses is to protect against bites. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises avoiding areas where ticks thrive, such as wooded, grassy, or brushy environments. Ticks can also be found on animals.To further protect yourself, the CDC recommends treating clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin and using EPA-registered insect repellents, such as those containing DEET. After spending time outdoors, it's important to check for ticks on your clothing, gear, and pets, and showering within a couple of hours is advised.