A new and potentially deadly virus codenamed “Camp Hill virus” has been discovered in North America, specifically in Alabama, USA. Dr Rhys Parry from the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences said Camp Hill virus was confirmed in shrews in the US state of Alabama. This virus belongs to the henipavirus family, a group known for causing severe outbreaks with high mortality rates, such as the Nipah and Hendra viruses.

The Camp Hill virus was detected in four northern short-tailed shrews. The animals were captured for study in 2021 near a town of the same name in Tallapoosa County, Alabama. Scientists dissected the animals and stored their organs for later research, where in later analysis, the virus was discovered. This marks the first time a henipavirus has been found in North America, raising concerns about potential human contagion and cross-infection events.

Background on Henipaviruses

Henipaviruses are a genus of viruses that are zoonotic, much like COVID-19, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans. Historically, these viruses have been known to mainly infect bats, but they can also infect other mammals, including humans. The most well-known henipaviruses are the Hendra and Nipah viruses. First detected in Australia in 1994, the Hendra virus has a high case-fatality rate of approximately 60% in humans, although it has only infected a small number of people. The Nipah virus, discovered in Malaysia in 1998, has caused numerous outbreaks in Southeast Asia, with mortality rates ranging from 40% to 75%.

Discovery of the Camp Hill Virus

The Camp Hill virus was discovered by researchers from the University of Queensland who analyzed tissue samples from northern short-tailed shrews collected in 2021 near Camp Hill, Alabama. This discovery is significant not only because it is the first henipavirus identified in North America but also because it suggests that these viruses may be more globally distributed than previously thought, according to scientists who, on the 17th of January, published their discovery in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Concerns and Risks

According to the lead study author Dr. Rhys Parry, there is currently no evidence that the Camp Hill virus has been transmitted or infected humans. Dr. Rhys Parry also added that the likelihood of the virus being passed on to humans is likely low, the potential for transmission cannot be ruled out. The virus is genetically distinct from Hendra and Nipah viruses but is more closely related to other shrew-borne henipaviruses found in Southeast Asia and Europe. The closest known henipavirus to Camp Hill virus that has caused disease in humans is the Langya virus. In China, between 2018 and 2021, the Layngya virus infected 35 people, causing symptoms such as fever,cough and fatigue with rarer cases including impaired kidney and liver function. Fortunately, no deaths were reported however this shrew-borne pathogen indicates that shrew-to-human transmission is possible.

Experts are concerned about the potential for a global pandemic due to the high mortality rates associated with henipaviruses. Dr. David Dyjack, a public health specialist, has expressed concerns that if the Camp Hill virus were to mutate and transmit to humans, it could pose a potentially massive threat to humans. However, Dr. Rhys Parry emphasised that the likelihood of human infection remains unknown but is likely low.

Implications and Future Research

The discovery of the Camp Hill virus highlights the importance of ongoing research and vigilance in the face of emerging infectious diseases. There are currently no known vaccines or treatments for henipavirus infections, which adds to the urgency of understanding this virus and its potential risks. Luckily, researchers state that the carriers of this pathogen, the B. brevicauda shrews usually inhabit woodland areas where contact with humans is somewhat rare. 

Public Health Response

Public health experts are advocating for caution and preparedness. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends avoiding unprotected contact with potentially infected animals and their body fluids, following safe food precautions, and using personal protective equipment in medical settings to prevent infection.

Comparison with COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened awareness of the potential risks posed by emerging infectious diseases. While the Camp Hill virus is not currently considered an imminent threat, experts who predicted the rise of COVID-19 are warning that any new virus with a high mortality rate could potentially threaten global health security. Previous experience with the COVID-19 pandemic underlines the importance of early detection, research, and preparedness in managing emerging health threats.