Health
Researchers identify new tick virus linked to invasive Asian longhorned tick
The Hill reports that scientists identified a novel nairovirus in China linked to an invasive tick found across several U.S. states.
The short version
- Scientists identified Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV) in Chinese hospital patients who showed DBV symptoms but tested negative for that pathogen.[The Hill]
- The Asian longhorned tick is an invasive species in the United States that has spread across more than two dozen states since 2017.[The Hill]
- Experts state that the tick has not been known to transmit any diseases to humans within the United States so far.[The Hill]
Key facts
- Researchers identified Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV) after examining hospital patients in China who exhibited DBV symptoms but tested negative.[The Hill]
- Over 15% of those examined patients in China tested positive for ALTNV.[The Hill]
- The Asian longhorned tick was first detected in the United States in 2017 and has expanded across more than two dozen states.[The Hill]
- Nearly all Asian longhorned ticks discovered in the United States are females able to reproduce without mating.[The Hill]
- Dr. Douglas Norris reported that the tick transmits several pathogens to humans and animals in its native Asian range but has not transmitted disease to humans in the U.S.[The Hill]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unknown whether the Asian longhorned tick will begin transmitting ALTNV or other pathogens to humans in the United States.[The Hill]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.