New Human-Infecting Virus Discovered in Florida: Unusual Origins

A newly identified virus that could pose a potential risk to humans has been found in Florida. This pathogen is part of the same family of viruses as those causing measles and mumps, and its discovery came under rather unusual circumstances.

Dr. John Lednicky, a molecular biologist, had his pet cat, Pepper, deliver a common cotton mouse right at his feet. Intrigued, he decided to take the mouse to his laboratory for examination.

To his surprise, Dr. Lednicky uncovered a new kind of jeilongvirus that appears to have evolved from more prevalent strains found in regions like Africa, Asia, and South America. Previously, these viruses were believed to infect only rodents. However, recent findings show that they can also be present in bats and cats, hinting at their capacity to jump to other species, including humans.

Researchers are still uncertain whether this new virus can cause illness in humans. While jeilongviruses have occasionally led to severe respiratory issues—characterized by cough, fever, and difficulty breathing—there is no evidence they have been fatal so far.

Dr. Lednicky noted that the new virus thrives equally well in rodent, human, and nonhuman primate cells, thereby presenting a significant possibility for a spillover event. He emphasized the importance of understanding the other illnesses that animals might bring into our domestic environments.

Additionally, while the potential for human infection exists, most people are unlikely to encounter the virus, given that direct contact with infected rodent excrement is rare.