Why in the News?

Scientists in China have identified a new virus called the Wetland Virus, transmitted by ticks. There is growing concern about its possible impact on human health, as it can cause severe neurological issues. The virus spreads to humans through tick bites, leading to brain-related complications. As a result, Chinese researchers are now investigating ticks and animals carrying the virus.

About the Virus

• Scientific Name: Orthonairovirus
• Discovery: It was first detected in 2019 in a 61-year-old man from northern China.
• Transmission: The virus is spread through tick bites.
• Hosts: Besides ticks, the virus has been detected in animals such as sheep, horses, pigs, and rodents like the Transbaikal zokor.
• Symptoms: Fever, headache, dizziness, vomiting, malaise and in severe cases neurological issues like brain damage.

Wetlands

• According to the Ramsar Convention, wetlands are defined as “areas of marsh, fen, peatland, or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish, or salt, including areas of marine water where the depth at low tide does not exceed six meters.”
  • Ramsar is a name of a place in Iran.
  • India became member on 1^st February 1982.