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University of Queensland researchers uncover Camp Hill virus in shrews, sparking concerns over global health threats.
A groundbreaking discovery by scientists from the University of Queensland has revealed the presence of the first henipavirus detected in North America, raising concerns about the potential for future pandemics. Researchers have confirmed that the Camp Hill virus was found in northern short-tailed shrews in Alabama, USA, a species with a wide distribution across both the United States and Canada.
Dr. Rhys Parry, a prominent researcher at the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, led the study and explained the significance of the finding. Henipaviruses are known for causing serious illness and death in both humans and animals. Among the most dangerous of these viruses are Hendra and Nipah, which have caused fatal outbreaks in Australia and Southeast Asia.
“Hendra virus, first detected in Brisbane, Australia, has a fatality rate of 70 percent,” Dr. Parry said. “Similarly, Nipah virus has recorded fatality rates between 40 and 75 percent in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Bangladesh.”
This discovery marks a pivotal moment, as it suggests that henipaviruses may be more widespread than previously thought. Dr. Parry emphasized the global implications, noting that the presence of the Camp Hill virus in North America introduces a new and unknown risk.
The northern short-tailed shrew, a small mammal, is commonly found throughout Canada and the US. The presence of the Camp Hill virus in this species prompts concerns about its potential to cross over to humans, as other henipaviruses have done in the past. For example, the Langya virus, closely related to Camp Hill, has been linked to human infections in China, which demonstrates that shrew-to-human transmission is possible.
Dr. Ariel Isaacs, co-author of the study, highlighted the urgency of the research, stating, “One of our main focuses is developing vaccines for the henipavirus family. We are working to characterize the surface proteins involved in viral entry into cells, which will allow us to better understand the virus and develop strategies for prevention.”
The next steps in this research are critical, as scientists seek to determine the full extent of the Camp Hill virus’s potential threat to humans. Further studies are underway to understand the transmission dynamics and how to mitigate risks.
As this research progresses, the scientific community remains vigilant in the face of this emerging viral threat.
Disclaimer: The findings discussed in this article are based on preliminary research. While the discovery of the Camp Hill virus in North American shrews is significant, more research is required to fully understand its potential risks to human health. It is important to note that this virus has not yet been proven to pose an immediate threat to people.
