‘Langya’ Virus, A Zoonotic Henipavirus Recently Emerged in China, Public Health Concerns, and Counteracting Prevention and Control Measures- An Update

Abstract

The risk of 'zoonotic spillovers,' or the transmission of viruses from animals to humans, has been raised by climate change and the devastation of nature, as infectious disease experts have long warned. Even as the world works to stop the spread of the currently unfolding pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the breakout of monkeypox virus (MPXV), a new animal virus, the Langya henipavirus (LayV), has been discovered in humans in Eastern China. The scientists say there is little danger of the virus spreading among humans, but it shares genetic material with Hendra virus and Nipah virus, two other henipaviruses that infect humans and cause life-threatening respiratory diseases. Humans infected with LayV can expect to experience high body temperature, cough, weariness, poor appetite, muscle discomfort, myalgia, nausea and vomiting. It is likely that the virus will spread from animals to humans. Currently, the health authorities of Taiwan and other health organizations are tracking the progress of the ailment to ensure it does not reach humans. Researchers have examined 25 species of small wild animals for presence of the virus, and so far, shrews are the only ones that have tested positive for the virus's RNA. Based on these results, shrews are a possible candidate for the virus's natural reservoir. Too far, no therapies or vaccines have been developed and licensed for henipaviruses like the LayV. When other therapies fail to alleviate viral infections, ribavirin may be the next best thing. The need for novel vaccinations against the LayV infection and the timely delivery of these vaccines to areas at high epidemiological risk is real. To lessen the likelihood of a health calamity being caused by this newly developing virus, it is crucial to conduct active surveillance in a transparent and globally collaborative manner. The questions that have not been answered yet require additional study.

Recent updates on langya virus

“…[11] Several virologists assume that it is transmitted straight to humans or through an intermediary animal, as none of the cases appear to be connected. [7] There was no indication of the virus spread between persons, according to the findings, since there were no clusters of cases in the same family, during a short time span, or in close geographical vicinity. The study only traced contact on 15 family members of 9 ill people, making it difficult to determine how the people were exposed.…”

“…The first evidence of layV human transmission was discovered in China in December 2018 when a 53-yearold farmer reported to a hospital in Shandong province with fever and a history of interaction with animals within a month of symptom start. [7,9] Only 35 people have developed the illness since 2018, indicating that there was no link between any of the instances. There is presently no evidence that the virus may be transmitted from person to person.…”

“…[10] More than 25% of the 262 shrews confirmed cases for layV antibodies, whereas 2% of domestic goats and 5% of dogs also tested positive, suggesting that shrews were a viral source. [4,7] Shrews had a greater prevalence of layV RNA than rodents, domestic and companion animals (dog), and humans, indicating that they are key reservoirs of this virus. [11] Several virologists assume that it is transmitted straight to humans or through an intermediary animal, as none of the cases appear to be connected.…”

“…[15] Those affected with layV nearly always had fever, as well as respiratory symptoms including coughing and tiredness, but nobody died as a result. [4,7] Out of the 35 instances of layV infection detected in Shandong and Henan provinces, 26 showed symptoms such as fever, cough, drowsiness, irritability, lack of appetite, headache, muscular pain, nausea, and vomiting all are mentioned in Figure 2. [16] All 26 instances had a fever, 54% complained of lethargy, 50% coughed, and 38% felt nauseous.…”

“…[1] According to evolutionary only Hendra, Nipah, and now layV have been shown to infect people. [7,8]…”