Scientists have identified the Camp Hill virus, a henipavirus, in shrews in Alabama, marking its first detection in North America. Researchers from the University of Queensland have discovered the first henipavirus detected in North America. The presence of this virus was confirmed by Dr. Rhys Parry, who found it in northern short-tailed shrews.
Henipaviruses, such as Hendra and Nipah viruses, are known to cause serious disease and death in people and animals. However, the discovery of a henipavirus in North America is significant because it suggests that these viruses may be more globally distributed than previously thought.
Further research is needed to determine if Camp Hill virus poses a threat to humans. Dr. Parry noted that the closest known henipavirus to Camp Hill virus that has caused disease in humans is Langya virus, which was transmitted from shrews to humans in China. This highlights the potential for shrew-to-human transmission.
Researchers are now focusing on developing vaccines for the virus family. The next step will be to characterize key surface proteins on the virus to better understand it and identify ways to protect against it.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-discover-first-henipavirus-in-north-america-raising-pandemic-fears