Context

Even as the world is still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) scientists have found another virus, the 'Cat Que Virus,' reported mainly in China.

About

What is Cat Que Virus?

• CQV belongs to the Simbu serogroup and infects both humans and economically important livestock species.
• One of the arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses), the CQV may cause febrile illnesses, meningitis, and paediatric encephalitis among humans.
• Natural host: Its natural host is a mosquito. Domestic pigs are the primary mammalian host of CQV and anti-CQV IgM and IgG antibodies have been reported in swine reared locally in China.

Antibodies against the virus

• Antibodies against the virus have been reported in swine reared locally in China.
• It indicates that the virus has formed a “natural cycle” in the local area and has the ability to spread in pigs and other animal populations through mosquitoes.

Why India is in danger?

• The virus has been spotted in culex mosquitoes and pigs across China and Vietnam. India, too is home to species of culex mosquitoes.
• According to the ICMR study, Indian mosquitoes are susceptible to CQV, which could also become a public health pathogen.