Another deadly virus from North America spreading panic

For the first time in North America, a relative of the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses has been discovered in Alabama. Researchers from The University of Queensland, Australia, identified this new strain, named the Camp Hill virus (CHV), after it was found in northern short-tailed shrews in 2021 near Auburn, Alabama.

Henipaviruses, like Nipah and Hendra, have caused severe illness and death in humans and animals in other regions. CHV shares similarities with these viruses, raising concerns about its potential to cause severe respiratory issues and encephalitis in humans. The virus was identified through advanced RNA metagenomic sequencing, marking a significant discovery in the field of virology.

While henipaviruses are known to primarily infect bats, they can also “spill over” into other mammals, including humans. The symptoms of these viruses include dizziness, fever, and headaches, with more severe cases leading to brain inflammation, seizures, and even coma. The fatality rate of Hendra virus, one of the most dangerous relatives, is as high as 70%.

The detection of Camp Hill virus in shrews highlights the potential for cross-species transmission, with past cases like Langya virus in China showing that shrew-to-human transmission is possible. The discovery of this virus has sparked concerns about its spread, and experts are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any outbreaks.

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