Ticks are known to be agents of over 25 types of diseases in humans and animals. In a recent study published, scientists from China have confirmed a new virus that can be transmitted through this parasitic species.
By decoding the genetic sequence, the research team found that this virus is a member of the genus Orthonairovirus – a close relative of other viruses also transmitted by ticks – but has never been known before.
Many people do not realize they have been bitten by a tick. (Photo: Shutterstock).
When infected with this virus, victims will exhibit symptoms including fever, headache, vomiting… and may progress to multi-organ dysfunction.
The danger is that ticks are very small and often attach to our skin in hard-to-check areas. As a result, many people may be bitten by ticks without realizing it.
Additionally, we do not “feel” the tick bite like we do with mosquitoes or other insects.
According to the research team, livestock and domesticated animals play a significant role in spreading infectious pathogens. Among them, sheep, pigs, and horses are the first species found to potentially carry this new virus.
So far, the new virus has only been found in the northeastern region of China. However, the tick species associated with disease transmission has a much wider distribution across Europe and Asia.
“Therefore, this virus has the potential to spread over a much larger area,” the research team stated.
The research team recommends that we wear long pants and use tick repellent when hiking or camping in areas with dense vegetation, to protect ourselves from tick-borne infectious diseases.
