Langya Virus

August 15, 2022

A sentinel surveillance study in China has detected the zoonotic Langya henipavirus (Paramyxoviridae) in 35 patients. RNA of the virus was found in 27% of shrews in the wild, revealing a potential animal reservoir. Zoonotic transmission is the first step potentially leading to “jumps” across species. Currently, there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of this virus, and none of the documented infections resulted in fatality. Nonetheless, this underscores the necessity for zoonotic surveillance programs, prompt dissemination of data, and international collaboration to quickly assess the potential for outbreaks of new, emerging viruses, all of which the GVN aims to support.