A newly discovered virus in China, transmitted through ticks, has the potential to harm the brain, according to researchers.

A new tick-borne disease, known as the Wetland virus (WELV), has been discovered in China and scientists are warning of its potential dangers.

In 2019, a man in Inner Mongolia, China, was infected with a virus from the Orthonairovirus genus, but it was not identified until a recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

A 61-year-old man who was bitten by a tick at a wetland park sought medical attention for "persistent fever and multiple organ dysfunction," according to the study.

The researchers from the Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology identified the virus from the patient as WELV.

The study found that the virus was detected in 17 other patients in China, all of whom exhibited symptoms such as fever, headache, dizziness, muscle pain, fatigue, back pain, arthritis, swollen lymph nodes, and neurologic issues.

Some individuals exhibited petechiae, which are skin spots resulting from capillary bleeding.

The researchers discovered that eight patients who had recovered had four times as many WELV-specific antibodies as those who had not yet recovered.

All patients recovered without any long-term health effects after receiving antiviral medications, antibiotics, or immunoglobulin therapy.

The Wetland virus shares similarities with the Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever, a virus that causes symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pains, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding into the skin, and liver failure in severe cases, according to study findings.

The virus could cause brain damage and death, researchers found.

In northeastern China, five tick species, in addition to sheep, horses, pigs, and rodents, were found to contain the RNA of the virus.

The virus caused brain damage and death in mice and hamsters when injected.

The Wetland virus may be difficult to diagnose due to its symptoms being similar to those of a "non-specific illness," according to researchers.

Understanding the impact of emerging orthonairoviruses on human health can be improved through enhanced surveillance and detection.

Doctors react to viral discovery

The senior medical analyst for Planet Chronicle and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, Dr. Marc Siegel, stated that the research highlights the vast array of viruses that can be transmitted by ticks or other "insect vectors."

"Siegel, who was not involved in the study, told Planet Chronicle Digital that this can cause hemorrhagic fever and can be deadly, although it is very rare."

Tick-borne diseases usually don't spread rapidly, according to Dr. Edward Liu, the chief of infectious diseases at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

He explained to Planet Chronicle Digital that while ticks gradually expand their territory as their environments change, they are not like respiratory viruses, which can easily transmit and spread from continent to continent in just one day.

Liu pointed out that viruses and bacteria found in ticks are species-specific, meaning they do not automatically transfer to ticks in the U.S.

"I am not worried about a COVID-19-type pandemic," he added.

He echoed Siegel's warning of deadly consequences due to the Wetland disease causing hemorrhagic fever.

Liu stated that those with compromised immune systems and the elderly are at the highest risk.

Preventing tick bites

Experts advise that the most effective way to prevent tick-borne illnesses is by preventing bites.

The CDC advises avoiding tick-infested areas, such as woodlands, grasslands, or brushy regions, and animals can also carry ticks.

The CDC advises using clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin to deter ticks.

An EPA-registered insect repellent, including those with DEET, can be applied by people.

It is advised to check all clothing, gear, and pets for ticks after spending time outdoors, and to shower within a couple of hours.

The agency also suggests doing a full-body check.

Drying clothing at high heat for 10 minutes or washing it with hot water can eliminate ticks.

If you have symptoms of illness after a tick bite, it's important to contact a medical provider.

For more Health articles, visit planetchronicle.net/health

The research at the Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences.

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.