Scientists in China have identified a previously unknown tick-borne virus that causes a mysterious flu-like illness marked by fever, fatigue, headaches and gastrointestinal problems.
The discovery came after researchers investigated patients who were admitted to hospitals with unexplained fevers following recent exposure to ticks.
Infected patients initially developed symptoms similar to those of the common cold or flu, including sudden fever, muscle aches, severe headaches and persistent fatigue. Some patients also experienced nausea, vomiting and abdominal discomfort.
The illness could not initially be identified through existing diagnostic tests for vector-borne diseases. Researchers eventually detected the new virus after conducting deep genome sequencing on samples collected from affected patients.
Epidemiological investigations suggested that local ticks act as the main hosts and transmit the virus to humans.
Once the virus was identified, medical teams provided antiviral and antibacterial treatment along with supportive care. The infected patients reportedly responded well, with the illness resolving within around two weeks and no long-term effects reported.
Health experts have called for increased surveillance and greater awareness among doctors, particularly when treating patients with unexplained fever who have recently been bitten by ticks.
People visiting wooded, grassy or shrub-covered areas have also been advised to take precautions, including wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent and checking themselves for ticks after outdoor activities.
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