What is the origin?
Called Langya henipavirus (LayV), it has animal origin, more specifically from shrews – small mammals that live in semi-arid regions, humid forests and flooded areas.
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According to a report published in the newspaper The Globe, researchers from the University of Cuiabá classified the henipaviruses as biosafety level 4 pathogens. But what does it mean? This category includes agents with a high risk of contamination that can cause fatal infections, according to the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz).
Symptoms
Of the 35 cases detected by authorities, 26 were analyzed by scientists. As symptoms of the infection, all patients had fever, fatigue (54%), cough (50%), anorexia/loss of appetite (50%), vomiting (35%), among others.
Transmission
According to the researchers, studies carried out to date reveal that the virus is not transmitted through person-to-person contact. In other words, there is no risk of a new pandemic.
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In an interview with Jornal da CBN, doctor Luis Fernando Correia commented that the population does not need to worry about Langya. “The most important thing about this news is to show that health monitoring structures must be strengthened to integrate into international spheres.”
Mortality
All patients infected with the virus to date have been farmers in Shandong and Henan provinces. Despite being from a family of pathogens with a high mortality rate – approximately 75% – none of the new cases resulted in death. Patients had mild flu-like symptoms.
(Photo at top: Flickr/Reproduction)
