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The recent identification of the Camp Hill virus, a henipavirus, in shrews in Alabama, marks the first detection of such a virus in North America.

About the Camp Hill Virus

The Camp Hill virus is a henipavirus related to the Nipah virus. It was discovered in shrews in Alabama, USA, marking the first time the virus has been identified in North America.

About Henipaviruses

Henipaviruses are a group of zoonotic viruses in the Paramyxoviridae family, known for causing serious diseases in both humans and animals.

They are RNA viruses and include well-known viruses like Nipah and Hendra.

Henipavirus outbreaks have been reported in:

• Australia, with the Hendra virus, first identified in 1994.
• Southeast Asia, with the Nipah virus, first recognized in 1999 in Malaysia and later in Bangladesh and India.

These viruses are classified as biosafety level 4 pathogens due to their high fatality rates and lack of effective treatments.

What makes henipaviruses dangerous?

Henipaviruses are deadly because they can cause severe respiratory illness and encephalitis, leading to organ failure.

They are also highly zoonotic, meaning they can easily spread from animals, such as bats, to humans.

The fatality rates of diseases caused by these viruses can reach up to 70% or more.

How do Henipaviruses spread?

• Direct contact with infected animals (such as bats, pigs, or horses).
• Consumption of contaminated food, like date palm sap, which can be contaminated by bat saliva or urine.
• Human-to-human transmission, particularly in healthcare settings or through close contact with infected individuals.

Henipaviruses can be transmitted from shrews to humans

As shown by the Langya virus in China, henipaviruses can cross from shrews to humans, suggesting that shrew-to-human transmission is possible, though further research is needed.

What are the symptoms of Henipavirus infection?

In humans, the initial symptoms of henipavirus infection include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Muscle pain
• Sore throat

As the disease progresses, symptoms may worsen to:

• Neurological issues, such as drowsiness, confusion, or altered consciousness.
• Severe respiratory problems, including acute respiratory distress or pneumonia.

In severe cases, the disease can cause encephalitis (brain inflammation), which can lead to death.

How are Henipavirus infections treated?

Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for henipavirus infections. Treatment is supportive, which means it focuses on relieving symptoms and managing complications, such as respiratory distress or neurological damage.

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Source: 

NEWS18.COM