Langya Virus Discovered in China // Scientists Identify Tick Infested Shrews as Source Origin

A new animal virus which also infects humans has been identified in eastern China.

The virus, named Langya henipavirus (LayV), causes respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough and fatigue, and is closely related to two other henipaviruses known to cause respiratory infections which can be fatal.

Researchers believe LayV is carried by shrews, which might have infected people directly or through an intermediate animal.

So far there have only been 35 infections and none have been fatal.