Newly discovered Camp Hill virus raises public health concerns in North America

Kumar Shivam | Feb 08, 2025, 00:50 IST

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):

First Henipavirus Found in North AmericaCamp 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 FamilyHenipaviruses primarily infectbatsbut have been known tospill overinto mammals, including humans. These viruses can causesevere respiratory illnessesandbrain inflammation (encephalitis).
Significant Scientific BreakthroughThe discovery was published onJanuary 17in the journalEmerging Infectious Diseases, confirming thatCHV is the first henipavirus detected in North America.
Genetic Link to Deadly HenipavirusesUsingRNA 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 GenusHenipaviruses 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 DamageHenipaviruses are known to causeencephalitis (brain inflammation)andsevere respiratory illnesses. The Hendra virus, for example, has a70% fatality rate, according to Dr. Parry.
Detected in Northern Short-Tailed ShrewsCHV 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 OutcomesInfected individuals may experiencedizziness, headaches, fever, and muscle pain. If the disease progresses,encephalitiscan develop, leading toseizures, coma, and death.
Links to Other Human-Infecting HenipavirusesTheclosest 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 ThreatAccording 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.

While there is currentlyno evidencethat Camp Hill virus has infected humans, experts emphasize the need forfurther research and surveillanceto assess its potential risks.