New virus in China: how is it transmitted and is there a threat to Belarusians, said doctors

In China, the number of cases of the new virus ALTNV (Asian longhorned tick nairovirus) is growing - infection occurs through bites of ixodic mites. There is no medicine that can directly combat this pathogen.

The good news for the residents of Belarus: there is no serious threat, because there are no carrier ticks in our country, the Republican Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health said.

What is known about the ALTNV virus: data from Chinese scientists

In early September, researchers from China presented a scientific paper in which they described the new pathogen in detail. We are talking about zoonotic RNA virus ALTNV - it is spread by ixodic mites of the species Haemaphysalis longicornis.

The range of these ticks covers temperate areas of East Asia – in particular, China, Korea, Vietnam and Thailand – as well as the islands of the Pacific Ocean and the southern territories of the Russian Far East, including the Primorsky Territory. In Belarus, this type of ticks is not found.

“The virus causes an influenza-like disease – an acute onset with fever, chills, headache, myalgia, severe weakness, gastrointestinal manifestations (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain) are possible.” In severe cases, a sharp deficiency of platelets develops, which leads to a decrease in blood clotting and causes bleeding. People with reduced immunity are at increased risk, the Republican Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health said.

Infection statistics and lack of specific treatment

To date, more than 300 cases of ALTNV have been reported, all of which have been detected in China alone. Outside this country, there are no confirmed cases of infection.

There is no special medicine aimed at destroying the virus, as well as means of preventing the disease - patients are provided with symptomatic care. Those who plan to travel to Asian countries, doctors recommend taking precautions: do not go into dense thickets, use repellents and choose closed clothing that reduces the risk of tick bite.

If within 14 days after a tick bite during a stay abroad, symptoms such as fever, weakness or disruption of the gastrointestinal tract appear, you should immediately seek medical attention.

Belarusian experts assured that the republic has everything necessary to diagnose and assist in the disease caused by the ALTNV virus.

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