NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsSeptember 6, 2026Hillsborough
Scientists identify new Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV) in China
Researchers have identified a previously unknown virus, the Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV), which causes flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and reduced blood platelet counts. The virus was discovered in 10.4% of 3,163 patients studied who had been bitten by ticks in China.
Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsWhy It Matters
The discovery of this virus helps medical professionals improve diagnostic accuracy for patients with tick-borne illnesses, as symptoms often overlap with other infections like the Dabie bandavirus (DBV).
Key Facts
- Researchers identified the Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV) in 10.4% of 3,163 patients who had been bitten by ticks.
- ALTNV symptoms include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, respiratory issues, and reduced blood platelet counts (thrombocytopenia).
- The study found that patients infected with both ALTNV and the Dabie bandavirus (DBV) experienced more severe respiratory and kidney complications.
- Seven patients (18.4%) who were co-infected with both ALTNV and DBV died during the study period.
- The study did not link ALTNV alone to severe bleeding or death.
- There are currently no effective antivirals for ALTNV; treatment is limited to supportive care.
- Antibiotics are ineffective against ALTNV because it is a virus, not a bacteria.
- The Asian longhorned tick has not yet been observed in the United States.
Who's Mentioned
personSharon Nachman“Chief of pediatric infectious diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital”organizationState Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity“The research institution that identified the virus”otherNew England Journal of Medicine“Publication where the findings were released”otherAsian longhorned tick nairovirus“The newly discovered virus”other3,163“Total number of patients tested in the study”