New tick-borne Wetland virus discovered in China can damage the brain

Scientists are warning of a new virus discovered in China that spreads to humans through tick bites, with the potential to cause brain problems.

Wetland virus (WELV) was first discovered in a 61-year-old man who reported being bitten by ticks in a park in a large wetland in northern China. The unidentified patient suffered fever, headache and bouts of vomiting five days after his visit, Live Science reports.

The case, which dates back to June 2019, was detailed last week in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The newly discovered orthonairovirus – the scientific name for a specific group of tick-borne viruses – prompted Chinese researchers to search for ticks and animals that might carry the virus.

They collected and analyzed nearly 14,600 ticks, finding WELV material in five tick species.

Haemaphysalis concinna, a rodent species found mainly in China, Russia and Central Europe, tested positive more often.

Researchers also detected the virus in 17 hospital patients in China who had developed symptoms within a month of being bitten by a tick, as well as in some sheep, horses, pigs and rodents, according to Live Science.

In laboratory mice, the virus led to fatal infections that reached the brain.

People had fever, dizziness, headaches, malaise, arthritis, back pain and nausea. One person who went into a coma had a high number of white blood cells in the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

The virus caused tissue damage and blood clots, but the good news is that all patients recovered and were discharged four to 15 days after treatment.

In the US, ticks are top of mind with Lyme disease becoming more prevalent.

NewYork-Presbyterian recommends avoiding leaf litter and tall grass. If you enter a wooded and leafy area, spray your clothes with the insecticide permethrin beforehand.

Wearing light-colored clothing will help you spot a tick on your clothes, while long-sleeved shirts and pants will help keep them off your skin.

When you’re done hiking, camping, or gardening, be sure to check your hair, ears, armpits, groin, waist, behind the knees, and inside the belly button for ticks.