Explained: What is the New Tick-Borne Virus Emerging in China

More than eight months into the global pandemic that reportedly emerged in China, the country has reported yet another deadly virus that infects humans. This tick-borne virus, responsible for a condition described as Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), has infected more than 60 people and claimed lives of 7 according to an Economics Times report.

A large number of cases (37) were concentrated in the country’s Jiangsu province early this year, and 23 more were later found to be infected in Anhui. The virus also seems to have travelled to other East Asian Nations, including Japan and South Korea, says ET.

What is the SFTS Virus?

Unlike the rioting SARS-CoV-2, the SFTS is not a new virus, and was first isolated by China in 2011.

The pathogen belongs to the Bunyavirus family and causes the Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), which is characterised by fever, fatigue, coughing, chills, nausea, low platelet count in blood, low white blood cell count, as well as neurological and gastrointestinal difficulties. Hemorrhagic manifestation and multiple organ failure have also been noted in more severe cases.

Scientists believe that an Asian tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, serves as the principal carrier of the virus. The diseases is reported to prevail during the months between March and November, with its peak occurring some time between April and July.

This tick-borne virus has a high fatality rate of nearly 30% for human infections -- much higher than of the novel coronavirus which is estimated to be approximately 3.4% as per WHO.

Do We Need to Worry?

According to an Indian Express report, SFTS has been listed among the Top 10 Priority Diseases blue print by the WHO, due to its high fatality rate.

Chinese virologists have cautioned that while the disease occurs in humans through tick bites, human-to-human transmission of the pathogen can not be ruled out. According to a Times of India report, doctors from the Zhejiang University have warned that patients can transmit the virus to others through blood and mucous.

However, medical experts have opined that since the primary route of conveyance of the virus seems to be tick bites, chances of widespread viral contagion seem to be weak.

Who is More Vulnerable to the Virus?

Researchers have found that animals like goats, cattle, deer and sheep may transfer the virus to humans.

Pet owners, farmers, hunters and agriculturalists are particularly susceptible to the disease as they regularly come in contact with animals that may carry the vector tick. Even when infected by the virus, animals generally do not show any symptoms associated with SFTS.

Treatment and Prevention: What You Should Know

China’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention has urged the general public to avoid wearing shorter clothes when walking through woods, parks and other environments where ticks may flourish.

While there is no vaccine yet to treat the disease, the antiviral drug Ribavirin has been proven effective for treating certain cases.

(With inputs from Economics Times, Indian Express and Times of India)