A new animal-derived Henipavirus, referred to as ‘Langya Virus’ (LayV) has been recorded in the Shandong and Henan provinces of China. Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have reported 35 human cases so far.
On Tuesday, China reported the emergence of yet another new virus within its borders. The reports by Taipei Times said that the virus is animal-derived but can be transmitted from animals to humans. The patients, however, did not have close contact with each other or common exposure history. It suggests that human infections might be sporadic, stated the authorities
The novel Langya Virus has reported 35 human cases so far along with several cases in animals. The virus, emerging from the Eastern neighbouring provinces of Shandong and Henan in China, is still under observation.
Rumors have it, calling Langya virus having the potential of the next global pandemic. None of the official organizations has reported as such.Â
There are no reports of human-to-human transmission of the virus till now according to Taiwan’s CDC Director General Chuang Jen-Hsiang but they’re paying close attention. To conduct precise surveillance the CDC is to establish a standardized procedure in domestic labs, added the General.Â
According to studies so far, the virus is said to have the potential to cause renal and liver failures, stated Taipei Times. The infected patients faced flu-like symptoms at the prior stages and are under treatment.
Although none of the patients have died yet, WHO has stated the fatality rate can land anywhere between 40% to 75% based on the category of Henipavirus. Currently, there is no vaccination or medication available for the Langya Virus and the only treatment remains extreme care to manage the complications it may cause.Â
Netizens React
Back to back emergence of various viruses from China has become a topic of talk among the netizens. Twitter is trending with the topic #LangyaVirus as netizens continue to give their varying opinions on the new virus.
Many of them are flabbergasted and annoyed but at the same time, they haven’t failed to make memes out of the news. Scroll through the funny memes to ease the stress that the news has brought to us:-
