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A new virus, known as the “wetland virus,” has been identified in China, adding to the growing list of tick-borne illnesses that pose significant risks to both humans and animals. Discovered in a patient who had visited a wetland park in Inner Mongolia, the virus belongs to the same family as the deadly Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, which has a 30% mortality rate. This new finding has raised concerns about the increasing prevalence of tick-borne diseases globally.
The Wetland Virus: A New Health Threat
The wetland virus was first detected in 2019 when a patient, who had been bitten by a tick, developed symptoms of fever, headache, and vomiting. Despite treatment, the condition progressed to multiple organ dysfunction. Genetic sequencing of the patient’s blood sample led to the identification of a previously unknown virus. Researchers found that it is part of the orthonairovirus genus, closely related to other dangerous tick-transmitted pathogens.
To further investigate, researchers in China screened 17 more patients from north-eastern China who had developed acute fever after tick bites, confirming that the wetland virus is well established in the region. An ecological survey also revealed that livestock, including sheep, pigs, and horses, were infected, indicating that these animals may serve as reservoirs for the virus.
Although cases of the wetland virus have so far only been found in China, the tick species responsible for transmission is distributed widely across Europe and Asia. Experts fear that the virus could be more widespread than currently known.
Are Tick-Borne Diseases on the Rise?
Ticks are notorious for spreading more than 25 human and animal diseases. Some, like Lyme disease, are relatively well-known, but many others, including new viruses like the wetland virus, have emerged in recent years. The question now arises: are tick-borne diseases on the rise, or is our ability to detect them simply improving?
One reason tick-borne illnesses have been hard to detect is their non-specific symptoms, such as fever, headaches, and fatigue, which can easily be mistaken for more common illnesses. Moreover, because these diseases are not contagious, they do not cause dramatic outbreaks like influenza or COVID-19. However, advancements in genetic sequencing techniques are making it easier to identify new pathogens, leading to a growing awareness of these hidden threats.
Ticks also bite unnoticed. Unlike mosquito bites, tick bites do not trigger an immediate reaction, and many patients don’t recall being bitten, making diagnosis even more challenging. The delayed onset of symptoms, as seen in Lyme disease, further complicates the association between tick bites and illnesses.
Medical awareness and resources for diagnosing tick-borne diseases vary greatly across regions, with many illnesses only being described in recent decades. For instance, Lyme disease wasn’t understood until the early 1980s. As a result, many emerging tick-borne diseases are still poorly understood by the scientific and medical community.
Climate Change and Shifting Disease Patterns
In addition to discovering new tick-borne diseases, scientists have observed changes in the distribution of established ones. Climate change plays a critical role in these shifts, as tick activity is strongly influenced by temperature and humidity. Warmer temperatures may allow ticks to thrive in previously unsuitable areas, as seen with the recent spread of tick-borne encephalitis virus to the Netherlands and the UK—regions once considered too cold for this virus.
In the northern hemisphere, Lyme disease remains the most common tick-borne illness, but others, such as human anaplasmosis and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, are becoming more prevalent in different parts of the world.
Protecting Yourself from Tick-Borne Diseases
With the rising awareness of tick-borne diseases, it is essential to take precautions, especially when venturing into grassy or wooded areas. Wearing long trousers, using tick repellents, and thoroughly checking yourself and pets for ticks after outdoor activities can reduce the risk of infection.
If bitten, it’s important to remove the tick promptly and carefully, ensuring that no parts of the tick remain embedded in the skin. Any subsequent flu-like symptoms, rashes, or fever should be reported to a healthcare professional, along with details about the tick bite.
As researchers continue to explore the emergence of viruses like the wetland virus, it becomes clear that increased surveillance, improved diagnostic techniques, and public awareness are crucial in managing the rise of tick-borne diseases worldwide.
