Mysterious ‘unknown virus’ identified after several human transmissions confirmed

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The pathogen has been named the Yezo virus and is believed to be transmitted by tick bites. Symptoms of infection include fever and reduced blood platelets and leucocytes. Researchers at Hokkaido University in Sapporo presented their discovery in the journal Nature Communications.

According to Keita Matsuno, a virologist at Hokkaido University’s International Institute for Zoonosis Control, at least seven people in Japan have contracted the virus since 2014.

Thankfully, there have been no confirmed deaths.

However, the Japanese experts believe the virus needs to be investigated outside of Hokkaido to learn more about its spread.

Professor Matsuno said: “All of the cases of Yezo virus infection we know of so far did not turn into fatalities, but it’s very likely that the disease is found beyond Hokkaido, so we need to urgently investigate its spread.”

The Yezo virus has been identified as a form of orthonairovirus.

Orthonairovirus are part of the Nairoviridae family, which includes pathogens that cause Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF).

Earlier this year, scientists in China have also identified a new form of orthonairovirus, naming it the Songling virus (SGLV).

All patients who were infected with Songling were bitten by ticks.

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