Dozens of people in China have been infected with the newly discovered Langya-Henipavirus (LayV), which is believed to have originated from animals. According to a publication in the New England Journal of Medicine, 35 people were infected with LayV between late 2018 and early 2021, with most cases occurring among farmers in the Shangdong and Henan provinces who had regular contact with animals. Of the 35 infected individuals, 26 were exclusively infected with LayV and experienced symptoms such as fever, fatigue, cough, and muscle pain. Some patients also showed signs of liver and kidney damage, but no deaths have been reported.
Chuang Jenhsiang from the Taiwanese health authority CDC stated that the 35 patients in China did not have close contact with each other, and transmission of the virus to family members or other close contacts did not occur. Investigations with animals revealed that the virus was mainly found in shrews, indicating that it is likely a zoonotic disease. Wei Liu from the Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology emphasized the need for further research to better understand the virus and the human diseases it causes.
The emergence of LayV highlights the ongoing threat of zoonotic diseases and the importance of monitoring and controlling animal-borne illnesses. Experts recommend that individuals who work closely with animals take precautions to prevent infection, such as wearing protective clothing and practicing good hygiene. The global community must also work together to strengthen surveillance and response systems to prevent the spread of emerging infectious diseases.
