# Discovery of ALTNV tick-borne virus in China > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/discovery-of-altnv-tick-borne-virus-in-china > Updated: 2026-09-10T17:53:21.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 3. Researchers from Beijing’s State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity have identified a new tick-borne virus named the Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV), belonging to the orthonairovirus group. The discovery, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, followed the screening of 3,163 individuals exhibiting symptoms of the known Dabie bandavirus (DBV). While many patients tested positive for DBV, approximately 10.4% tested negative, leading to the identification of ALTNV through deep genome sequencing. ALTNV is transmitted by the Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) and causes symptoms similar to influenza A, including sudden fever spikes, muscle aches, severe headaches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and vomiting. Laboratory evidence also indicated potential liver-cell injury or inflammation and thrombocytopenia. Medical experts, including Dr. Tyler Evans of the Wellness Equity Alliance, noted that the discovery addresses a diagnostic gap where patients presented with classic tick-borne symptoms but yielded negative results on standard tests. Coinfection with DBV—which can have a fatality rate as high as 30%—may exacerbate illness severity. Patients infected with both viruses were found to be more likely to experience respiratory issues and kidney complications, with a reported mortality rate of 18.4% in such cases. Due to the shared tick vector and regional circulation, researchers are calling for improved differential diagnosis and heightened surveillance. Concerns have also been raised regarding the potential for international spread, as the tick species responsible for transmitting ALTNV has already established itself in the United States. ## Claims - Researchers from the State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity in Beijing identified a new tick-borne virus. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The virus is named Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV). (corroborated by 3 sources) - ALTNV causes flu-like symptoms including fever, fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, and organ damage. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Dr. Tyler Evans described the discovery as a wake-up call because many patients with tick-borne symptoms previously tested negative for known viruses. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The findings regarding the virus were published in The New England Journal of Medicine. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The virus explains why approximately 30 percent of patients with Dabie-Bandavirus (DBV) symptoms tested negative. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The tick vector for the virus has already spread to the United States. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: China researchers identify new tick-borne virus ALTNV Scientists in China have identified a new tick-borne virus, ALTNV, which causes flu-like symptoms and organ damage. The virus's tick vector has already been detected in the United States. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-researchers-identify-new-tick-borne-virus-altnv ### 2026-09-06: Scientists identify new tick-borne virus ALTNV Scientists have identified a new tick-borne virus, the Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV), which causes flu-like symptoms and may complicate existing infections like the Dabie bandavirus. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/scientists-identify-new-tick-borne-virus-altnv ### 2026-09-04: China researchers discover new tick-borne virus ALTNV Scientists in China have discovered a new tick-borne virus, ALTNV, which can cause flu-like symptoms, low platelet counts, and liver injury, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-researchers-discover-new-tick-borne-virus-altnv --- Cite as: Discovery of ALTNV tick-borne virus in China. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/discovery-of-altnv-tick-borne-virus-in-china