News Watchmen

Scientists in China have identified a previously unknown tick-borne virus capable of causing fever, fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, low platelet counts and signs of liver injury.

The discovery, published September 3 in the New England Journal of Medicine, has been named Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV) and belongs to the orthonairovirus group.

The discovery is raising concerns about an emerging infectious disease that can be difficult to distinguish from another potentially deadly tick-borne illness already circulating in parts of China.

Scientists Were Looking for an Explanation

Researchers at China’s State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity were investigating patients with suspected severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS).

SFTS is associated with Dabie bandavirus (DBV).

But researchers had encountered a puzzling problem: some patients showing symptoms consistent with SFTS tested negative for DBV.

Scientists examined samples from patients with fever and a history of tick exposure using metatranscriptomic sequencing and virus isolation.

They identified ALTNV in patients who were negative for Dabie bandavirus.

According to the researchers, genetic analysis showed ALTNV is sufficiently different from previously recognized orthonairoviruses to represent a new virus.

More Than 3,000 Tick-Bitten Patients Studied

The investigation included 3,163 patients who had been bitten by ticks and developed fever.

Researchers found evidence of ALTNV infection in approximately 10.4% of those patients through RNA or IgM testing.

Among patients who tested negative for Dabie bandavirus, approximately 15.1% were positive for ALTNV.

In patients infected with ALTNV alone, illness was generally characterized by flu-like symptoms and other relatively nonspecific signs.

That makes the discovery particularly important.

A person infected with ALTNV could initially appear to have another febrile illness, while standard testing for the better-known SFTS virus may come back negative.

The Bigger Danger: Two Viruses at Once

The most troubling findings involved patients infected with both ALTNV and Dabie bandavirus.

Researchers found that co-infected patients were more likely to experience complications involving the respiratory system and kidneys.

Seven of the co-infected patients—18.4%—died during the study period.

The researchers concluded that ALTNV appears capable of causing human febrile illness and that simultaneous infection with Dabie bandavirus may make disease substantially more severe.

The viruses also circulate in overlapping regions and share the same tick vector, creating the potential for diagnostic confusion and coinfection.

The study therefore calls for improved testing that can distinguish between the two viruses.

Is This a New Pandemic Threat?

There is no evidence from this study that ALTNV is spreading globally or causing a pandemic.

That distinction is important.

The research documents a newly identified virus associated with human illness in China. It does not establish widespread human-to-human transmission, nor does it show that the virus has established itself in the United States.

At present, the primary known concern is exposure through infected ticks in areas where the virus circulates.

That makes the discovery a public-health warning, not evidence of an impending worldwide outbreak.

But There’s an Important U.S. Connection

There is a surprising wrinkle to the story.

The Asian longhorned tick itself is already present in the United States.

The species is Haemaphysalis longicornis, the same tick associated with the virus’s name.

According to the CDC, Asian longhorned ticks were first identified outside a U.S. port-of-entry inspection setting in 2017 and have since been found in numerous states, primarily in the eastern United States.

The USDA says the invasive tick has spread to numerous Eastern states and can form large infestations, particularly on livestock.

But there is a critical distinction:

The presence of the tick in America does not mean ALTNV is present in America.

The CDC says researchers do not yet know whether Asian longhorned ticks in the United States can transmit particular pathogens to people or how frequently they could do so.

There is currently no evidence establishing ALTNV as a U.S. human disease threat.

The Tick Is Already an Emerging Concern

American officials have been watching Haemaphysalis longicornis for years.

The tick is unusual because females can reproduce without mating, allowing a single female to produce offspring.

The USDA warns that the species poses a significant threat to livestock, while researchers continue investigating what pathogens it might carry and transmit in the United States.

Scientists have detected genetic material from several pathogens in U.S. Asian longhorned ticks, although detection of a pathogen does not necessarily establish that the tick can efficiently transmit it to humans.

That distinction matters enormously.

Finding a pathogen inside a tick is not the same thing as proving that the tick is transmitting that pathogen to people.

What Should Americans Do?

For now, there is no reason for Americans to panic over ALTNV.

There is, however, every reason to take tick exposure seriously.

The CDC recommends reducing exposure to ticks by avoiding areas with dense vegetation and leaf litter, using EPA-registered insect repellents, wearing appropriate clothing and checking the body carefully after spending time outdoors.

If a tick is attached, prompt removal is important.

And as the ALTNV discovery demonstrates, doctors and researchers need to remain alert to diseases that can initially resemble more familiar infections.

Prophetic Perspective: A World of Emerging Diseases

The Bible does not identify ALTNV or any particular modern virus as a fulfillment of prophecy.

Christians should be cautious about making that claim.

But Scripture does warn that disease and pestilence will be among the troubling realities of the last days.

Jesus said in Luke 21:11 that there would be “pestilences” in the earth.

That does not mean every newly discovered virus is a prophetic sign.

It does mean Christians should recognize the fragility of human life and remain sober-minded in a world where new diseases can emerge with little warning.

The proper response is not fear.

It is wisdom, preparedness and faith.

The Bottom Line

Scientists have discovered a new tick-borne virus in China that can cause human illness.

ALTNV appears capable of producing flu-like disease and other abnormalities, while coinfection with Dabie bandavirus was associated with significantly more severe outcomes.

The virus has not been established as a threat in the United States.

But the story deserves attention because the Asian longhorned tick itself has already established populations in parts of America.

For now, the lesson is straightforward:

Don’t panic—but don’t ignore the warning signs either.

As scientists continue studying ALTNV, improved surveillance and accurate diagnosis may be the most important tools for determining whether this newly identified virus remains a regional concern or becomes something much larger.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ALTNV?

Asian longhorned tick nairovirus, or ALTNV, is a newly identified orthonairovirus associated with human febrile illness in China.

What symptoms can ALTNV cause?

Reported symptoms include flu-like illness, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, low platelet counts and signs of liver injury.

Is ALTNV in the United States?

There is currently no evidence establishing ALTNV as a U.S. human health threat. The Asian longhorned tick itself, however, is present in numerous U.S. states.

Can the Asian longhorned tick transmit disease?

Yes. In its native and invasive ranges, the tick is associated with multiple pathogens. However, scientists are still determining which pathogens it can efficiently transmit to humans in the United States.

Is ALTNV the same as the virus that causes SFTS?

No. ALTNV and Dabie bandavirus are different viruses. Researchers found that coinfection with both may result in more severe disease.

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After much research, the following supplements can prevent Covid and other viruses. My family and I mainly follow the protocol of Dr Bryan Ardis. This is only my opinion based on my own family’s success. Please make sure you do your own research and speak with your medical professional before making any changes to your health routine.

EDTA
Glutathion
NAC
Zinc
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin D3
Quercetin
Cats Claw
Nicotine
Bromelain
Curcumin

Dr. McCullough recommends taking this treatment triad for at least three months for anyone suffering from or worried about post-COVID or post-vaccine syndromes.

Nattokinase, Bromelain, and Curcumin are available over the counter at just about any health food store or pharmacy.

Selenium 
Dandelion Root 
Black Sativa Extract (may facilitate cellular repair)
Green Tea Extract (provides added defenses at the cellular level through scavenging for free radicals)
Irish Sea Moss (could help rebuild damaged tissue and muscle)

In an acute emergency, if you get Covid, Dr Ardis suggests taking low doses of Nicotine in the form of Lozenges, Gum, or Patches for a few days until symptoms subside

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