Introduction
Since the blast of the novel Coronavirus, many people have been infected worldwide. In addition, fear has increased among people as the origin of a new variant drastically affects humans. Similarly, a new virus named Langya virus has been recently found by a group of scientists in Shandong, Henan, and China.
What Is Langya Virus?
The Langya virus (LayV) is found to belong to the group of Henipaviruses and under the Paramyxoviridae family. However, the first case was set in 2018 in Shandong, Eastern China. Till now, 35 people have been infected with the virus, especially in China.
What Is Henipavirus?
Henipaviruses reside mostly reside in bats named Pteropid fruit bats and other small mammals. It is a single-stranded RNA (ribonucleic acid) zoonotic virus. These viruses may infect animals, and humans may acquire them through direct or indirect contact with these infected animals.
The identified species of Henipavirus are listed below:
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Hendra.
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Cedar.
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Mojiang.
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Langya.
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Ghanaian.
Among all the species, the Nipah and Hendra viruses are considered the most virulent and are found to cause fatal complications in humans.
What Does a Zoonotic Disease Mean?
A zoonotic disease is characterized by the transmission of infection (bacterial, viral, protozoal, etc.) between humans and animals. According to studies, many individuals are affected by zoonotic disease annually throughout the globe.
The infectious among them are COVID-19, zoonotic influenza, plague, rabies, and West Nile virus.
What Is the Occurrence of Henipaviruses?
So far, the outbreaks of different species of Henipavirus have been noted in the following regions worldwide:
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Australia.
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Southeast Asia.
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Malaysia.
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Singapore.
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India.
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Bangladesh.
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South America.
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East Africa.
How Was the Langya Virus Identified?
Langya virus is a Henipavirus; found to reside in shrews, bats, rodents, and other small mammals. Some studies also show that animals like dogs and goats naturally had antibodies to the Langya virus. But, the virus may transmit to other animals like horses on exposure to bat urine or infected pigs. Humans may acquire the infection through direct contact with infected animals or by consuming contaminated (bat or pig excretions) foods. However, cases of Langya virus infection were discovered by evaluating a throat sample obtained from patients who complained of fever in Eastern China. On collecting the patient’s history, recent direct contact with an infected animal was found.
What Symptoms Are Caused by the Langya Virus?
From the reports on the evaluation of 35 patients, the Langya virus may most commonly lead to the below-mentioned flu-like symptoms:
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Fatigue - 54%.
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Fever - All the patients had a fever.
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Cough - 50%.
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Headache - 35%.
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Vomiting - 38%.
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Loss of appetite.
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Muscle pain (myalgia).
Other severe complications include -
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Decrease in white blood cell (WBC) count.
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Low levels of platelet count characterize thrombocytopenia.
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Kidney and liver function may be affected.
Does the Langya Virus Spread From Human to Human?
As only 35 cases have been reported so far, experts say it is difficult to provide information on human-to-human transmission. However, there was no virus transmission between humans. In addition, the disease is greatly localized and less likely to spread. But, the risk of transmission may increase due to climatic crises.
Is It a Deadly Virus?
In contrast to the deadly Coronavirus, the Langya virus infection has not caused any deaths, according to the reports.
What Are the Tests Used in the Diagnosis of Langya Virus?
The doctor may ask about any recent animal contact during the physical examination. The doctor may also order other laboratory investigations such as:
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RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction) - A sensitive test used to detect any changes or activation of specific genes from the obtained samples. The test is highly significant in detecting infectious viruses such as Coronavirus, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), hepatitis virus, etc. The samples can be serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and throat swabs to detect the virus.
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ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) - It is also a sensitive test for detecting antibodies against specific antigens (virus, bacteria, or fungi). The samples can be either serum or CSF.
Is Langya Infection Treatable?
There is no specific drug or vaccine that has been found effective against the Langya virus. However, the specialist may provide supportive care to relieve flu-like symptoms and also manage complications if occurred. In addition, Taiwan's Center for Disease Control (CDC) may soon provide developmental information associated with the Langya virus.
Can I Protect Myself From the Langya Virus?
Due to emerging viruses, people tend to focus on measures to protect themselves from such infections.
However, the following steps might reduce the risk of contracting the virus:
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First, avoid exposure to sick or infected pigs, horses, bats, or rodents.
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Avoid consuming raw foods.
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Wait for vaccines - Until now, no vaccines have been developed against Henipavirus and its species. However, it may benefit humans greatly if it is found and approved.
Conclusion:
Langya virus infection is considered a zoonotic disease, and the data on it is minimal, as only 35 cases have been reported. However, each one is responsible for protecting themselves from evolving viruses. Therefore, limit or avoid direct contact with infected animals and traveling to endemic places. In addition, consult the specialist in case of a sudden rise in body temperature of unknown cause to get the best advice.
