Emerging Virus Threat in Northern Europe

SOURCE www.the-sun.com
A potentially lethal virus carried by rodents in Sweden has the ability to jump to humans and cause haemorrhagic fever, similar to Ebola. Researchers are concerned about the spread of this virus in northern Europe.

Key Points

  • Cases of nephropathia epidemica, caused by the Puumala virus carried by bank voles, were diagnosed in Sweden.
  • The virus strain found in southern Sweden is a distinct variant closely related to Puumala viruses from Finland or Russian Karelia.
  • Scientists are investigating the origins and distribution of the virus in the southern parts of Sweden.

Pros

  • Researchers are actively studying the virus and its transmission from rodents to humans.
  • Identifying the virus strain and its potential threat to public health can lead to preventive measures.

Cons

  • The virus has the potential to cause severe and life-threatening haemorrhagic fever in humans.
  • Cases of the illness have been spotted hundreds of miles from where it was previously known, raising concerns about its spread.