It is known that dozens of people in eastern China have contracted a new virus called "Langya," which is transmitted from animals to humans. This virus is part of a genus of viruses known as Hendra viruses, several types of which were identified in the 1990s. China has recorded dozens of infections between 2018 and 2021. In the latest developments, a group of individuals with fever and a history of animal exposure in eastern China was monitored, leading to the identification of the new Hendra virus known as LayV.
Researchers are tracing the source of the virus's transmission and have not found evidence of human-to-human transmission. All documented cases traced the virus's transmission from animals to humans, with confirmation of its presence in various animals, including pets, as well as some types of flies.
**Symptoms of Langya:**
According to a report from New Scientist, all patients experienced fever, and fatigue was the second most common symptom at 54%, followed by cough at 50% and muscle aches at 46%. Additionally, 38% of those infected reported nausea, 35% headache, and 35% vomiting. Tests showed that 54% of the infected individuals had a low white blood cell count, indicating reduced immunity, and more than 35% suffered from thrombocytopenia, which is a low number of blood platelets. Liver or kidney weakness was observed in 35% and 8% of Langya patients, respectively.
**What is the Risk?**
No fatalities have been reported among confirmed cases so far. Some reports indicated that some individuals developed pneumonia, but the exact number or details regarding the severity of the inflammation have not been provided. Olivier Restif from the University of Cambridge stated, "Hendra viruses do not typically spread among people, so it is unlikely that they will turn into a pandemic." He added, "The only Hendra virus that has shown some signs of human-to-human transmission is the Nipah virus, which requires very close contact." He does not believe there are many pandemic possibilities connected with this virus.
François Balloux from University College London noted, "The fact that there have been very few cases over several years suggests that the virus does not spread rapidly. It is unlikely that the virus can be easily transmitted from person to person or cause a pandemic."
