Scientists in Beijing Discover Novel Tick-Borne Virus Named ALTNV
Scientists in Beijing have discovered a novel tick-borne virus named ALTNV, linked to severe flu-like symptoms and dangerous coinfections with a mortality rate exceeding 18%.
Scientists in Beijing have discovered a novel tick-borne virus named ALTNV, shedding light on a long-standing medical mystery involving patients with severe symptoms and previously negative test results.
Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the comprehensive study found the virus in over 10% of 3,000 tick-bite victims tested in China. ALTNV causes severe flu-like symptoms, including extreme fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, liver dysfunction, and a sharp drop in blood platelets. While patients infected solely with ALTNV recovered, researchers warn of fatal risks from coinfections.
Patients infected simultaneously with ALTNV and another known tick-borne virus suffered a far deadlier disease, marked by severe respiratory distress and multi-organ kidney failure, resulting in a high mortality rate exceeding 18%. Given the virus's prevalence across 15 provinces, scientists urge updating hospital diagnostic kits immediately.
