Out of 640 forest rangers tested, 12 had antibodies to WELV, suggesting that human contact to the virus is rather prevalent.
The Wetland virus (WELV), a novel tick-borne virus that poses serious health risks, particularly neurological damage, has been discovered recently in China. This virus, which belongs to the orthonairovirus genus, was first discovered in June 2019 in a male 61-year-old who had been bitten by a tick in a wetland park in Inner Mongolia and was exhibiting severe symptoms. His instance highlights the possible risks associated with infections carried by ticks in that region.
The viruses that cause Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and other serious tick-borne infections are closely related genetically to the Wetland virus. Early WELV infection symptoms are often nonspecific and include fever, headache, and general malaise. This makes diagnosis more difficult and can have catastrophic consequences if left untreated. Experimental research has shown that WELV can cause severe brain damage and even death in mice and hamsters infected with it, indicating that it may be fatal to humans as well.
After the first incidence, scientists conducted extensive monitoring across northern China, which led to the identification of WELV in a variety of tick species and livestock, such as sheep and horses. Of the approximately 14,600 ticks analyzed, the virus was detected in only 2% of them. Additionally, 12 out of 640 forest rangers examined had antibodies to WELV, suggesting that human exposure to the virus is not uncommon.
The bite of an infected tick, especially of the Haemaphysalis concinna species, seems to be the main way that the virus spreads. These ticks can also pass the virus vertically to their progeny. There is reason to be concerned about the possibility of outbreaks in this circumstance, particularly in areas where tick populations are high and human-wildlife contacts are common. People with Wetland Virus infections have reported a range of symptoms, such as:
- Headaches, dizziness, and fever
- Pain in the muscles
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
More severe cases have resulted in neurological symptoms like coma and confusion, especially in patients with increased white blood cell counts in their CSF. Laboratory analysis often reveals thrombocytopenia and leukopenia, which are indicative of severe viral infections.
Comparing COVID-19, the recent pandemic virus,
Significant respiratory infections, long-term health problems referred to as “long COVID,” and increased mortality rates—particularly in the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions—are linked to COVID-19.
According to preliminary research, WELV has been shown to be deadly in animal trials and may cause significant neurological impairment. In humans, the range of symptoms can be moderate to severe, with the potential for consequences like coma and confusion.
While worries are raised, WELV is neither as common or as dangerous as COVID-19 due to its limited transmission and lack of widespread human cases. However, outbreaks are still a risk, especially in places where there are plenty of ticks and lots of people.
