What is Wetland virus? How the new tick-borne infection could harm your brain

Scientists are warning of a new virus discovered in China that spreads to humans through tick bites, with the potential to cause problems in the brain.

Wetland virus (WELV) was initially detected in a 61-year-old man who reported being bit by ticks at a park in a large wetland in northern China. The unidentified patient suffered a fever, a headache and bouts of vomiting five days after his visit, Live Science reports .

The case, which dates back to June 2019, was detailed last week in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The newly discovered orthonairovirus — the scientific name for a specific set of tick-borne viruses — prompted the Chinese researchers to search for ticks and animals that may be carrying the virus.

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They collected and analyzed nearly 14,600 ticks, finding WELV material in five tick species.

Haemaphysalis concinna, a rodent tick species that has predominantly been found in China, Russia and Central Europe, tested positive most often.

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The researchers also detected the virus in 17 hospital patients in China who had developed symptoms within a month of a tick bite, as well as a few sheep, horses, pigs and rodents, according to Live Science.

In lab mice, the virus led to deadly infections that reached the brain.

The humans had fever, dizziness, headache, malaise, arthritis, back pain and nausea. One person who went into a coma had a high white blood cell count in the fluid surrounding their brain and spinal cord.

The virus caused tissue damage and blood clotting, but the good news is that all patients recovered and were discharged four to 15 days after treatment.

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In the US, ticks are top of mind with Lyme disease growing more prevalent .

NewYork-Presbyterian recommends avoiding leaf foliage and high grass. If you do venture into a wooded, leafy area, spray your clothes with the insecticide permethrin beforehand.

Wearing a light-colored outfit will help you notice a tick on your clothes, while long-sleeved shirts and pants will help keep them off your skin.

When you’re done hiking, camping or gardening, be sure to check your hair, ears, underarms, groin, waist, behind your knees and inside your belly button for ticks.

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