Recognition Of Early Signs Of Mojiang Henipavirus

Introduction

Mojiang henipavirus also known as Mojiang virus (MojV) is from the family Paramyxoviridae,¹ in the genus Henipavirus. Henipavirus is from the same family as the Mojiang virus. Two species of this virus have been identified:

• Hendra virus (HeV)
• Nipah virus (NiV)²

These viruses have severe consequences and sometimes may even lead to death in humans and horses.

Mojiang Henipavirus was first found in Mojiang Hani Autonomous Country, Yunnan Province, China, where there were 3 people diagnosed with severe pneumonia without a known cause. The only thing in common was that all 3 infected people were working in an abandoned mine and later it was reported that all the 3 patients died. After almost six months of investigation, they found that novel zoonotic pathogens were found in natural hosts in the cave.³

Signs and symptoms:

Mojiang henipavirus shares similar features with the known Henipavirus.⁴ It also exhibits similar genes as the henipavirus. Hence we can assume that it might also display the same signs and symptoms as the Henipavirus. Some early signs include:

• Dizziness and fatigue
• Headache
• Fever
• Myalgias

Severe progression of the disease may include symptoms such as:

• Confusion
• Abnormal reflexes
• Severe form of encephalitis
• Seizures and
• Coma 
• Respiratory problems⁵

According to surveys 40-75% of deaths may occur.¹⁰

There might be differences between the Mojiang henipavirus and other henipavirus types but further studies need to be conducted to determine the exact clinical recognition

Transmission

Bats are said to be natural reservoir hosts of Henipaviruses.⁶ Other than bats hosts can include species like pigs, cattle, and horses, which have an increased risk of transmitting this virus to humans. There is another mode of transmission called zoonotic transmission which is very rare but it should be considered important because consumption of virus-infected food is possible. Transmission happens through partially eaten fruit contaminated with urine, faeces, or saliva of the infected host. There is no direct transmission of virus from bats but human-to-human transmission is documented.⁷

Diagnosis

There are not many diagnostic tools for the detection of majiang henipavirus but the most common method used is to detect the history of contact with sick animals and serological evidence of infection using ELISA or PCR.⁸

Diagnostic methods for detecting the Nipah virus can be used for these viruses. The methods include:

• Immunofluorescence assay
• Histopathology
• Isolation of virus and neutralization⁹

Treatment and prevention

Treatment of henipavirus is carried out by Ribavirin which is also administered in the case of nipah virus infection. Another alternative method is recombinant human monoclonal antibodies against G glycoprotein but this method is still under investigation. As of now, there is no vaccine developed for henipavirus. Prevention of this virus is through making sure that horses are not in contact or not sheltered under trees with bats and horses must be vaccinated. Also, veterinarians must be informed about the handling of infected horses.

Three measures must be taken to prevent the spread of henipavirus to humans and they are listed as follows: 

• Do not consume fresh date palm sap as they are mostly contaminated by bats
• Prevent contact with infected animals
• No direct contact with bat secretions
• Fruits harvested from areas near bat populations or caves must be washed thoroughly before consumption.⁸

Risks associated with henipavirus

Patients with long-term effects of henipavirus have the following risk factors:

• Low immunity due to less white blood cell count
• Low platelet count
• Hepatic failure
• Kidney dysfunctioning that leads to failure¹¹

FAQ’s

Is monjiang henipavirus fatal?

There is no adequate information regarding this disease as there has not been much research on this topic, but as this virus is related to henipavirus and keeping its factors under consideration it might be lethal if not detected early.

When should I see my doctor?

See a healthcare provider if you have minor symptoms like fever, cough, muscle pain, dizziness, fatigue and severe headache

When do I need to go to an emergency?

You need to visit the ER if you have serious effects like

• Breathing difficulty
• High body temperature
• Seizures
• Body pain.

Summary

The Mojiang Henipavirus, also known as Mojiang virus (MojV), belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family and the Henipavirus genus. It shares similarities with other members of the Henipavirus family, such as the deadly Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV), known to cause severe illness and even death in humans and animals. Mojiang Henipavirus was first identified in Mojiang Hani Autonomous County, Yunnan Province, China, where three individuals working in an abandoned mine succumbed to severe pneumonia of unknown origin. Investigations revealed novel zoonotic pathogens in the cave's natural hosts after nearly six months of research.

Clinical manifestations of Mojiang Henipavirus resemble those of known Henipaviruses, with early signs including dizziness, fatigue, headache, fever, and myalgias. Progression of the disease may lead to confusion, abnormal reflexes, severe encephalitis, seizures, coma, and respiratory problems. However, further studies are needed to delineate specific clinical features unique to Mojiang Henipavirus.

Transmission primarily occurs through bats, the natural reservoir hosts of Henipaviruses, although other animals like pigs, cattle, and horses pose an increased risk of transmitting the virus to humans. Foodborne zoonotic transmission, while rare, is also a concern, with partially eaten fruit contaminated by bat urine, faeces, or saliva serving as a potential source of infection. Human-to-human transmission has been documented, highlighting the importance of preventative measures.

Diagnostic tools for Mojiang Henipavirus are limited, with detection relying on a history of contact with sick animals and serological evidence using ELISA or PCR. Diagnostic methods used for the Nipah virus, a close relative of Mojiang Henipavirus, can also be employed. Treatment involves the use of Ribavirin, with investigational approaches including recombinant human monoclonal antibodies against the G glycoprotein. However, there is currently no vaccine available for Henipaviruses.

Preventative measures include ensuring horses are not in contact with bats or sheltered under bat-inhabited trees, vaccinating horses, and educating veterinarians on handling infected animals. Additionally, individuals are advised not to consume fresh date palm sap, prevent contact with infected animals and bat secretions, and thoroughly wash fruits harvested from areas near bat populations or caves before consumption.

Patients with long-term effects of Henipavirus infection may experience complications such as low immunity, hepatic failure, kidney dysfunction leading to failure, and thrombocytopenia. While there is limited information on the fatality rate of Mojiang Henipavirus, early detection and prompt medical attention are crucial for managing symptoms and preventing severe outcomes.

In summary, the Mojiang Henipavirus presents a concerning public health threat similar to other deadly Henipaviruses. Vigilance in surveillance, early recognition of symptoms, proper diagnosis, and implementation of preventive measures are essential in mitigating the spread of this emerging infectious disease. Further research is needed to fully understand its clinical characteristics, transmission dynamics, and potential therapeutic interventions.