Published: 5th Oct, 2020
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.
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.
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