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Discovery of ALTNV tick-borne virus in China

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2026-09-10 18:33 UTC → 2026-09-11 17:26 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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~~ In a study of 38 patients carrying both ~~viruses were found to be more likely to experience~~ viruses, seven died, with many experiencing respiratory ~~issues~~ problems and kidney ~~complications, with a reported~~ failure. While ALTNV infections alone often result in full recovery, the co-infection mortality rate ~~of 18.4% in such cases.~~ was reported at approximately 18.4%. 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. Dr. Evans described the finding as a “wake-up call” for public health, though virologists note it does not currently constitute a new global health alarm.

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