A novel virus, named the Camp Hill virus, has been identified in Alabama, marking the first detection of a henipavirus in North America.
This discovery has raised concerns due to the potential threat it poses to human health.
The Camp Hill virus belongs to the henipavirus family, which includes other notable viruses such as Nipah and Hendra.
These viruses are known for causing severe diseases in humans and animals. The Camp Hill virus was detected in northern short-tailed shrews in Alabama.
While the Camp Hill virus has not yet been reported in humans, its relation to other henipaviruses raises concerns.
Dr. Rhys Parry from the University of Queensland noted that the closest known henipavirus to Camp Hill that has caused disease in humans is the Langya virus, which crossed from shrews to humans in China. This indicates that shrew-to-human transmission can occur.
Henipaviruses have the ability to cause encephalitis, a form of brain inflammation, and serious respiratory illnesses in humans.