New animal-derived Langya virus infects 35 in Eastern China

Researchers are tracking an emerging animal-derived virus in eastern China which has been identified in 35 people, according to a report published last week in the New England Journal of Medicine. So far the disease – known as the novel Langya henipavirus – has not caused any deaths in those infected. 

The main symptoms patients have shown include fever, fatigue, cough and vomiting.

Experts believe those who have the Langya virus (also called LayV) most likely contracted it directly from an animal. According to the the report in the New England Journal of Medicine, LayV is predominantly found in shrews.