China reports first severe human case of Oya virus

Scientists in China have identified the first severe human case of the Oya virus, an insect-borne pathogen transmitted by mosquitoes and midges. The patient, a 54-year-old woman with no prior medical conditions or known immunodeficiencies, worked at a goose farm in Qingyuan, Guangdong Province.

The patient presented with sepsis, a fever of 40 °C, chills, and loss of appetite. As the illness progressed, she experienced intense vomiting, diarrhea occurring more than ten times daily, eye hemorrhages, and skin spotting. Clinical analysis revealed high white blood cell counts, low platelets, severe liver damage, and disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Genetic testing of the patient's blood confirmed the presence of the Oya virus, a strain similar to one previously found in local insects. Laboratory tests on human liver models and immunocompromised mice showed that the virus can cause severe hepatitis, intestinal inflammation, and coagulation disorders. Following 19 days of hospitalization and supportive care, the patient was discharged and has since recovered.