Pandemic Fears Are Raised By A New Virus Found In Alabama
For the first time, a potentially fatal virus has been found in the United States.
Scientists in Alabama discovered the Camp Hill virus in shrews, raising concerns that it can spread to people through animal reservoirs and result in a potentially widespread outbreak.
The Camp Hill virus is a member of the henipavirus family of infections, which also includes the Nipah virus, which is spread by bats and can kill up to 70% of its victims. However, no human case of the Camp Hill virus has ever been documented, and experts are unsure of the symptoms and fatality rate.
Dr Rhys Parry from the University of Queensland, who confirmed the virus’ presence in Alabama shrews, 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.”
Researchers are also worried, stating in a recent article that the discovery of Camp Hill virus in North America “raises concerns about past and potential future spillover events” due to “the high case-fatality rates associated with henipaviruses.”
They do, however, add that additional study is required to ascertain whether the Camp Hill virus poses a harm to people.
Dr Parry said: “Henipaviruses have caused serious disease and death in people and animals in other regions.”
“One of the most dangerous is the Hendra virus, which was first detected in Brisbane, Australia, and has a fatality rate of 70 percent.”
“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.”
