Newly discovered Camp Hill virus raises public health concerns in North America
Kumar Shivam | Feb 08, 2025, 00:50 IST
( Image credit : TOIGLOBAL )
Scientists have discovered Camp Hill virus (CHV), a deadly henipavirus, in Alabama, USA, marking the first detection in North America. Found in shrews, CHV is related to the Nipah and Hendra viruses, which cause severe respiratory illness and encephalitis. Although no human infections have been reported, experts warn of potential spillover and urge further research and surveillance.
For the first time, a close relative of the lethal Nipah and Hendra viruses has been discovered in North America—specifically in Alabama, USA. Researchers from The University of Queensland, Australia, have identified a new strain of henipavirus, marking its first detection on the continent.“Henipaviruses have caused severe disease and fatalities in both humans and animals in other regions,” said Dr. Rhys Parry of the UQ School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences in a university press release. This newly identified strain, namedCamp Hill virus (CHV)after the location near Auburn, Alabama, where infectednorthern short-tailed shrewswere captured in 2021, raises concerns about potential human transmission.
10 Key Facts About Camp Hill Virus (CHV):
While there is currentlyno evidencethat Camp Hill virus has infected humans, experts emphasize the need forfurther research and surveillanceto assess its potential risks.
10 Key Facts About Camp Hill Virus (CHV):
- First Henipavirus Found in North America
Camp Hill virus, a member of thehenipavirusfamily, has been identified in Alabama. This discovery raises concerns about the virus's ability tospread to humansand trigger a potential outbreak. - Part of a Deadly Virus Family
Henipaviruses primarily infectbatsbut have been known tospill overinto mammals, including humans. These viruses can causesevere respiratory illnessesandbrain inflammation (encephalitis). - Significant Scientific Breakthrough
The discovery was published onJanuary 17in the journalEmerging Infectious Diseases, confirming thatCHV is the first henipavirus detected in North America. - Genetic Link to Deadly Henipaviruses
UsingRNA metagenomic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, researchers found that CHV shares similarities withNipah and Hendra viruses, both of which cause severe neurological and respiratory diseases. - Belongs to a Highly Virulent Genus
Henipaviruses belong to theParamyxoviridaefamily, which includesHendra virus (HeV),Nipah virus (NiV), and CedPV.Both HeV and NiV have causedfatal outbreaksin humans and animals. - Potential for Brain and Respiratory Damage
Henipaviruses are known to causeencephalitis (brain inflammation )andsevererespiratory illnesses . TheHendra virus , for example, has a70% fatality rate, according to Dr. Parry. - Detected in
Northern Short-Tailed Shrews
CHV was found innorthern short-tailed shrews, a common small mammal inthe U.S. and Canada. Previous studies suggest that shrews can serve ascarriersof dangerous henipaviruses. - Severe Symptoms and Fatal Outcomes
Infected individuals may experiencedizziness, headaches, fever, and muscle pain. If the disease progresses,encephalitiscan develop, leading toseizures, coma, and death. - Links to Other Human-Infecting Henipaviruses
Theclosest known henipavirus to CHV that has infected humansisLangya virus, whichcrossed from shrews to humans in China.This suggests thatshrew-to-human transmission is possible. - Potential Health Threat
According toDaily Mail, henipaviruses can lead tobrain swelling, respiratory distress, kidney and liver damage, and spinal cord inflammation.The possibility ofzoonotic transmission(animal-to-human spread) makes CHV aserious public health concern.