The zoonotic Langya virus, also known as LayV is a new infection strain found in at least 35 people in two provinces in China. As per Taiwan Center for Disease Control (TCDC), the cases were discovered in the provinces of Shandong and Henan on the Chinese mainland. Moreover, the authorities have chosen to start using nucleic acid testing procedures to find the virus and track its spread.
Investigation into the primary infections indicated that the cases were scattered. Also, there was no sign of community transmission, and the infections were sporadic.
Symptoms of Langya infection
Out of the total 35 people, 26 were infected with no other pathogens except the Langya virus. The 26 infected people had symptoms such as headache, body ache, fever, cough and cold, and reduced white blood cells. The experts noted that the virus could lead to a drop in platelet count. It can further damage kidneys and liver, and can eventually lead to death.
The virus can cause renal and hepatic failure and most likely is transmitted from animals to humans. The issue needs to be watched closely, even though there has been no death documented due to Langya.
No reports indicated that the virus exhibits a human-to-human transmission: Taiwan CDC
The Taiwanese health experts have urged people to take precautions to avoid community spread. As of now, there are no reports of human-to-human spread emerged yet. The CDC is also yet to determine if the said virus can transmit from human to human. Taiwan CDC Director General Chuang Jen-Hsiang said that the residents must “pay close attention” to more updates about the virus.
Adding to it, he said, “so far, nearly 2% of goats and 5% of dogs and other domestic animals have tested positive for the virus after a thorough serological survey.”
Chuang stated that Taiwan’s laboratories will start developing a standardized method for genome sequencing soon and expect it to be finished in about a week.
