A previously unseen virus has been reported in Peru, causing a disease similar to dengue fever, malaria, and other tropical infectious diseases common in this region. Although the infection has been reported only once, the new virus may be lurking undetected in the jungles of South America.
The single case, reported in a journal article published in September 2023, occurred on June 25, 2019, in a 20-year-old man admitted to the Regional Docente de Medicina Tropical Julio César Demarini Caro Hospital in Chanchamayo, Central Peru. The patient was admitted to the hospital after experiencing a range of symptoms, including high fever, chills, discomfort, muscle pain, joint stiffness, headache, drowsiness, intense sensitivity to light, and pain in the eyes.
These symptoms are quite typical of many tropical diseases that are relatively common in rural South America, including dengue fever and malaria. But laboratory tests on blood samples revealed a new phlebovirus variant that was even more strange.
The best-known phlebovirus is Rift Valley fever virus, a serious pathogen spread by mosquitoes that is common in sub-Saharan African domesticated animals such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels. However, this newly identified phlebovirus has a much different structure. Genetic analysis suggests that this sample is an “Echarate” phlebovirus, which naturally acquired genes from an “as yet unidentified phlebovirus” through genetic recombination.
Scientists studying the case say their findings suggest a new virus variant is circulating in the forests of Central Peru, but it remains unclear how widespread it might be or which strain acts as the natural reservoir of the virus. The findings indicate that a new variant of ECHV [Echarate virus] is circulating in the central forests of Peru, the study authors concluded: “Ecological studies and medical attention of service personnel are needed to determine how widespread the new variant is in this region, to identify potential vectors and reservoirs involved in transmission.” “It is necessary to support the decision-making process to be prepared and protected from health and safety threats both on and off duty.”
The risk of this virus appears low. It has been several years since the infection first appeared and no further reports of its spread have emerged. Yet this is a real reminder that new pathogens exist, and that humanity’s entanglement with the natural world means we are increasingly likely to come into contact with them.
The case study was published in the CDC journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.
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