Tick-borne diseases are a growing concern in Europe, with ticks transmitting various pathogens, including parasites, bacteria, and viruses. In Switzerland, researchers from the Virology Institute at the University of Zurich have made a startling discovery: the Alongshan virus (ALSV), which was first identified in China five years ago, has been found in ticks in Switzerland. The ALSV virus is part of the Flavivirus family, which also includes the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) that causes inflammation of the brain and its membranes. While the symptoms of ALSV are similar to TBEV, including headaches and fever, there is currently no vaccine or diagnostic test available for ALSV.
The researchers collected tick samples from various regions of Switzerland between 2021 and 2022 and found ALSV in a higher proportion of ticks than TBEV. This discovery raises concerns about the potential public health impact of ALSV in Switzerland. However, the researchers caution that more research is needed to determine the extent of the virus’s spread and its impact on human health. The team is currently developing a serological test to detect ALSV infections in patient blood.
Tick-borne diseases are a growing concern in Europe, and the discovery of ALSV in ticks in Switzerland highlights the need for continued research and vigilance in monitoring tick populations. While the symptoms of ALSV are similar to TBEV, there is currently no vaccine or diagnostic test available for ALSV. The researchers’ discovery of ALSV in ticks in Switzerland underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance and research to better understand the prevalence and impact of tick-borne diseases.
