Not again

The Camp Hill vi rus, a potentially fatal vi rus related to the Nipah v irus, has been discovered in shrews in Alabama, raising concerns about possible human transmission. Although no human cases have been documented, scientists worry that it could spread through animal reservoirs. The Camp Hill vi rus belongs to the henipavi rus family, which includes Nipah, known for its high fatality rates. While researchers say further study is needed, they caution that henipavi ruses can be deadly, as seen with the Hendra and Nipah v iruses in other regions.

The discovery suggests that the Camp Hill vi rus might be more widespread than previously thought, adapting to various animals. This finding, made in 2021 but revealed this week, highlights the potential for animal-to-human transmission, especially given the overlap between shrew habitats and human areas. The virus primarily affects the kidneys of shrews, which could mean similar effects in humans. Researchers are now focusing on developing vaccines and studying the vi rus’s surface proteins to improve defenses.