There have been reports of a newly discovered virus in China known as the wetland virus (WELV), which can infect humans through tick bites. According to media reports, certain infected persons have been connected by the virus to neurological disorders.

After a tick bite in the wetlands of Inner Mongolia, a 61-year-old patient from Jinzhou city experienced symptoms such as fever, headache, and vomiting. This was the first case of the virus that was identified in June 2019. Since the patient’s condition did not improve with antibiotic therapy, more research was done to determine the illness’s underlying etiology, as described in a recent article in The New England Journal of Medicine.

WELV belongs to a family of tick-borne viruses, sharing similarities with the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, known for its severe impact on human health. In response to this discovery, researchers launched an extensive study across northern China, analyzing nearly 14,600 ticks from various locations. Approximately 2% of these ticks were found to carry WELV genetic material, predominantly from the tick species Haemaphysalis concinna.

In addition to ticks, WELV RNA was detected in several animals, including sheep, horses, pigs, and a rodent species known as Transbaikal zokor. The virus has demonstrated cytopathic effects in human umbilical-vein endothelial cells and has caused lethal infections in animal models, raising concerns about its potential impact on both human and animal health.

The discovery of WELV underscores the need for continued surveillance and research to understand the full scope of the virus’s transmission and its effects. Health authorities are urged to monitor tick populations and assess potential risks associated with the new virus to prevent further outbreaks and protect public health.