Why in News ?
National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune researchers found antibodies for the virus in two out of the 883 human serum samples which were taken from various Indian states, indicating that people at some point contracted Cat Que Virus Infections (CQV).
- The findings of the study were published in the latest issue of the Indian Journal of Medical Research (IJMR).
What is Cat Que Virus ?
- Presence of the Cat Que virus has been largely reported in Culex mosquitoes in China and in pigs in Vietnam.
- It was first isolated in 2004 from mosquitoes during the surveillance of arbovirus activity in northern Vietnam.
- Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) have become a significant public health concern, with the emergence and re-emergence of arboviral diseases worldwide.
- Based on the study virus has formed a natural cycle in the local area.
- The ability to spread in pigs and other animal populations through mosquitoes.
- CQV strain which was isolated from mosquito samples collected in China in 2006 and 2008.
About the Findings ?
- Antibody positivity was recorded in two of the 883 samples that were tested for the presence of antibodies.
- These two samples were taken from Karnataka in 2014 and 2017.
- 1020 human serum samples that showed acute febrile illness during 2014-2017 were collected.
How Cat Que Virus Infections Spread to Humans ?
- Humans can get infected through mosquitoes as well.
- Other viruses that belong to the same genus as CQV and are similarly transmitted through mosquitoes.
- Apart from mosquitoes and pigs, birds such as the Jungle Myna may also act as a host.
- Indian mosquito breeds such as Ae. aegypti, Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. Tritaeniorhynchus were susceptible to the virus.
- Probable symptoms of CQV among human beings can be paediatric encephalitis, meningitis and acute fever.
Source : Indian Express
Topic
GS II : Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Current Affairs Compilation : 29 September 2020