Science

Researchers in China identify new tick-borne virus linked to flu-like symptoms and organ inflammation

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found the newly discovered virus in over 10% of tested patients bitten by ticks.

Updated Sep 4, 2026 · 20:18 UTC1 reports

The short version

Scientists identified the Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV) after screening blood samples from thousands of patients with unexplained illnesses following tick bites.
The virus causes flu-like symptoms, low blood platelet counts, and liver-cell inflammation, but was not linked to fatalities on its own.
Coinfection with both ALTNV and Dabie bandavirus resulted in severe complications and seven deaths during the study.
No specific antiviral treatments or vaccines exist for ALTNV, leaving clinicians reliant on supportive care and accurate differential diagnosis.

Researchers from the State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity in Beijing identified ALTNV in 10.4% of 3,163 patients who had sustained tick bites.[Fox News]
ALTNV infection causes fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, flu-like symptoms, low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), and liver-cell inflammation.[Fox News]
Among patients coinfected with both ALTNV and Dabie bandavirus (DBV), respiratory and kidney complications were more prevalent, and seven individuals (18.4%) died.[Fox News]
The research findings on ALTNV were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.[Fox News]
There are currently no vaccines or targeted antiviral drugs available for ALTNV, making supportive medical care the standard course of treatment.[Fox News]

The broader geographic spread of ALTNV outside the tested patient cohort in China remains unmeasured.[Fox News]
The exact biological mechanisms causing heightened severity and mortality in patients coinfected with both ALTNV and DBV have not been fully determined.[Fox News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.