The SARS-CoV-2 type coronavirus, which was announced to be detected in December 2019, caused the death of millions of people all over the world, and had a profound effect on our lives. After SARS-CoV-2, both coronavirus types and other viruses in wild animals were under close scrutiny by the scientific world.
While studies continue to prevent humanity from encountering a new pandemic, another new type of coronavirus was discovered the other day. According to the information shared by scientists, the new virus has added a new type of coronavirus, which is common among wild animals in Sweden, to the literature.
It is unknown whether the virus can infect humans
According to the statements made, the virus was discovered in red-backed mice. Some important explanations were also made for the coronavirus, which was called the ‘Grimsö virus’, referring to the region where it was discovered. Scientists have announced that there is not enough information yet about whether the virus is a threat to humans. As virologist Ake Lundkvist of Uppsala University explained:
“We still don’t know what potential threats to public health the Grimsö virus might pose. However, based on our observations and previous coronaviruses detected among red-back mice, there is good reason to continue monitoring the coronavirus in wild rodents.”
Mice in which the virus was detected are very closely related to humans:
Redback mice are among the most common rodent species found in Europe. They are defined as known hosts of the Puumala virus, which is known as the epidemic of nephropathy in humans and causes hemorrhagic fever. Mice enter buildings for shelter in adverse weather conditions. Any case of coronavirus in mice transmitted to humans has not yet been observed. The virus will be kept under observation by scientists.
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