New Virus Discovered in Alabama Raises Pandemic Fears

20 February 2023
by: Juice Juice
in Health

Last updated on

A virus never seen in the United States has been detected in Alabama, raising new questions about how deadly pathogens spread. The Camp Hill virus, found in local shrews, belongs to the same family as Nipah and Hendra viruses, known for their high fatality rates. Scientists don’t know if it can infect humans, but its discovery in North America challenges previous assumptions about where these viruses exist and how they evolve.

Camp Hill Virus and Its Connection to Other Deadly Henipaviruses

Camp Hill virus belongs to the henipavirus family, known for deadly infections in animals and humans. Scientists have not yet identified human cases, but similar viruses have caused severe outbreaks. Nipah virus, one of the closest known relatives, spreads from bats to humans and can trigger brain inflammation, respiratory distress, and death. Past South and Southeast Asia outbreaks have resulted in strict quarantines due to its high fatality rate. Langya virus, another henipavirus, crossed from shrews to humans in China. Infected individuals experienced fever, fatigue, muscle pain, and organ damage. Though no deaths have been recorded from Langya, its emergence raised concerns about how easily viruses in this family can jump between species.

Expert Warnings About Potential Animal-to-Human Transmission

Scientists are raising concerns about the potential for the Camp Hill virus to jump from animals to humans. Dr. Rhys Parry, a virologist at the University of Queensland, warned that shrew-to-human transmission is possible. He pointed to past henipavirus outbreaks as evidence that similar viruses have crossed species barriers before. He said, “This indicates that shrew-to-human transmission can occur. The discovery of a henipavirus in North America is highly significant, as it suggests these viruses may be more globally distributed than previously thought.” A recent report calls for more research to determine the virus’s risk to humans. It stated, “Given the high case-fatality rates associated with henipaviruses, the detection of Camp Hill virus in North America raises concerns about past and potential future spillover events.” No human infections have been reported, but scientists remain cautious. Tracking the virus’s spread and studying its behavior in different species will help determine whether it poses a direct threat.

Background and Dangers of Henipaviruses

Henipaviruses have a history of causing deadly outbreaks. Authors Hongzhao, Ji-Young, and Bradley stated that “Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV) are biosafety level 4 zoonotic pathogens causing severe and often fatal neurological and respiratory disease. These agents have been recognized by the World Health Organization as top priority pathogens expected to result in severe future outbreaks. HeV has caused sporadic infections in horses and a small number of human cases in Australia since 1994. The NiV Malaysia genotype (NiV-M) was responsible for the 1998–1999 epizootic outbreak in pigs with spillover to humans in Malaysia and Singapore. Since 2001, the NiV Bangladesh genotype (NiV-B) has been the predominant strain leading to outbreaks almost every year in Bangladesh and India, with hundreds of infections in humans. The natural reservoir hosts of HeV and NiV are fruit bats, which carry the viruses without clinical manifestation. The transmission pathways of henipaviruses from bats to humans remain poorly understood. ”  Dr Parry said, ‘Henipaviruses have caused serious disease and death in people and animals in other regions.”  The Hendra virus, first detected in Australia, has a fatality rate of 70 percent. Dr Parry further added and said, “Another example is Nipah virus, which has recorded fatality rates between 40 and 75 percent in outbreaks in Southeast Asia, including in Malaysia and Bangladesh.” The Nipah virus, another member of the henipavirus family, spreads from bats to humans and can trigger brain inflammation, respiratory failure, and organ damage. Severe symptoms, including brain and spinal cord inflammation, seizures, confusion, and coma., make these viruses highly dangerous within as little as 24 hours. No approved antiviral treatments exist, leaving doctors with limited options. Prevention depends on early detection, monitoring animal reservoirs, and reducing human exposure to infected wildlife.

Shrews as a Potential Reservoir for the Virus

The discovery of the Camp Hill virus in a North American mammal challenges assumptions about how these viruses spread. Until now, scientists believed that henipaviruses primarily circulated in bats. However, finding the virus in shrews suggests a broader geographic distribution and indicates that the virus has adapted to survive in various animal species. The northern short-tailed shrew, which inhabits bushy woodlands and bogs, is common in Southern Canada and the Eastern and Central U.S. Much of its habitat overlaps with human settlements, raising concerns about potential animal-to-human spillover. Although researchers first identified the virus in shrews in 2021, they only released their findings recently. Before this, henipaviruses had never been detected in animals other than bats, nor had they been confirmed to infect humans. As part of a study on mammal aging, scientists captured four northern short-tailed shrews (Blarina brevicauda) in Alabama. Tissue samples from the shrews revealed genetic material from Camp Hill virus. The virus was predominantly found in the shrews’ kidneys, suggesting that it may target similar organs in humans.

Scientists Investigate How Camp Hill Virus Infects Cells

Scientists are examining how the Camp Hill virus infects host cells. Like other henipaviruses, it likely relies on two key proteins: the G protein and the F protein. The G protein helps the virus attach to host cells, while the F protein facilitates the fusion of the virus with the cell membrane, allowing the virus to enter and begin multiplying. By studying this process, researchers aim to find ways to block the virus from infecting cells, a critical step in developing treatments and vaccines. Dr. Ariel Isaacs, a co-author of the study, said, “The research team focused on developing vaccines for this family of viruses.” Henipaviruses, including Nipah and Hendra, infect cells by binding to specific proteins on the host cell’s surface. The G protein latches onto cell receptors, while the F protein enables the virus to merge its membrane with the host cell. This fusion process allows the virus to enter the cell and replicate.

Global Collaboration in Virus Research and Prevention

Given the cross-species nature of henipaviruses and their potential to cause outbreaks, it’s essential to emphasize the role of global cooperation in tracking and managing these viruses. While research into the Camp Hill virus is still in its early stages, scientific collaboration across borders will be crucial for understanding the full scope of henipaviruses. Public health systems, virologists, and pharmaceutical companies from different countries must collaborate to share information, conduct joint research, and develop vaccines. Viruses don’t recognize borders, so effective prevention and response efforts require coordinated global action. Dr. Rhys Parry’s concerns about animal-to-human transmission and the virus’s spread in North America highlight the importance of watching similar viruses elsewhere. Countries need to be prepared for potential spillover events and outbreaks, and this can only happen if research teams and healthcare systems collaborate across regions. Additionally, governments and international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) must work together to strengthen global surveillance systems and improve diagnostic capabilities. This collaboration can help prevent future pandemics and mitigate the impact of emerging viruses.

Public Reactions to Henipaviruses and Vaccines on X 

The discovery of Camp Hill virus has sparked various reactions on social media, particularly regarding vaccine development and public health measures. Some users expressed skepticism about emerging viruses and potential vaccine development.
Medical technology commentator @MTokyo8888 noted: “There are currently no approved vaccines for ‘henipaviruses’ in humans, but there are ongoing research efforts to develop them. There is, however, a vaccine approved for use in horses: Equivac® HeV – soon more ‘healthy mRNA Equivac’ shots for everyone? 5 bill sales in USA?”
This sentiment was echoed by @mlhfreeame1384, who questioned the origins of recent viral outbreaks: “All these viruses are suspicious and if real, where did they come from? From Covid to bird flu to Camp Hill virus? It won’t surprise me if human deaths start being blamed on them so we can have more vaccines to fill the coffers of pharmaceutical companies.”
The discussion also touched on broader societal concerns, with @DebRN1953 expressing worry about potential implications: “They want to instill fear and starve us.”

Vaccine Development and Further Research

Dr. Ariel Isaacs said, “The next step in this research is to study the important surface proteins on the virus that play a role in entering cells in order to deepen our understanding of this virus family and find better ways to protect against it.” While the Camp Hill virus has not yet been detected in humans, its presence in the U.S. has raised serious concerns among public health experts. Ongoing surveillance and further research will be key to determining whether this virus could pose a significant threat in the future 

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