A New Virus Has Been Detected in China. Should You Be Worried About Langya Henipavirus? - ScienceAlert

Researchers in China first detected this new virus as part of routine surveillance in people with a fever who had reported recent contact with animals.

Although they found a small number of goats and dogs that may have been infected with the virus in the past, there was more direct evidence a significant proportion of wild shrews were harboring the virus.

This new virus appears to be a close cousin of two other viruses that are significant in humans: Nipah virus and Hendra virus.

In total, seven human cases of Hendra virus have been reported in Australia (mostly veterinarians working with sick horses), including four deaths.

Nipah virus is more significant globally, with outbreaks frequently reported in Bangladesh.

Significantly, Nipah virus appears to be transmitted from person to person, mostly among household contacts.

Little is known about this new virus, and the currently reported cases are likely to be the tip of the iceberg.