Scientists have discovered a new strain of orthoneurovirus transmitted by ticks

Scientists at the State Central Laboratory for Pathogen Research and Biosafety in Beijing have discovered a new strain of orthoneurovirus that is spread by ticks. The study results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

A new pathogenic orthonairovirus is the Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV). RNA from the new virus was found in less than 2 percent of more than 47,000 ticks examined. Experts say the most common symptoms are fever, weakness, flu-like symptoms, and gastrointestinal problems.

It turned out that when infected only with ALTNV, patients recovered, and the infection did not pose an immediate threat to life. At the same time, scientists noted cases of simultaneous infection with ALTNV and another tick-borne virus, DBV. According to them, in patients with two infections the disease was more severe.

Earlier in the state of New York, the first case of infection with Bourbon virus, a rare infection transmitted through tick bites, was confirmed.