Introduction

Mojiang Henipavirus; also known as Mojiang virus (MojV), is from a family of negative-strand RNA viruses called Paramyxoviridae.¹ It is placed in the genus Henipavirus. Henipavirus is from the same family as the Mojiang virus and two species of this virus have been identified:

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

These viruses cause severe symptoms 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 three people diagnosed with severe pneumonia without a known cause. But the only thing in common among all three infected people was that they were working in an abandoned mine. 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 shared similar features and exhibited similar genes with the known Henipavirus⁴. Hence, we can assume it might also display the same signs and symptoms as 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 
• Coma 
• Respiratory problems⁵

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

There might be differences in mojiang henipavirus and other henipavirus types but further studies need to be done to determine the exact clinical recognition.

Transmission

Bats are said to be natural reservoir hosts of Henipaviruses⁶. Other hosts like pigs, cattle and horses have an increased risk of transmitting this virus to humans. Another transmission form known as foodborne zoonotic transmission is very rare, but it should be considered important. Consumption of virus-infected food is possible, and transmission happens through partially eaten fruit contaminated with urine, faeces or saliva of the infected host. There is no direct transmission of the virus from bats but human-to-human transmission is documented.⁷

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: Henipavirus can suppress the immune system, which can lead to white blood cell deficiency (the main immune system component). This can lead individuals to become more susceptible to other infections
• Low platelet count: This condition is also called thrombocytopenia and is a common complication in henipavirus. Platelets are responsible for blood clotting and wound healing. If platelet levels are low, it can lead to risks of bleeding inside and outside the body
• Hepatic failure: This condition is also known as liver failure, and occurs as a result of henipavirus infection. Symptoms of hepatic failure may include jaundice, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain and swelling. If not treated properly, it can lead to death¹²
• Kidney dysfunctioning that leads to failure: A person affected by henipavirus can be prone to improper kidney functioning which may lead to acute or chronic kidney failure. This can cause a buildup of harmful toxins in the blood and can affect the person's overall health¹¹

However, all these risks may depend on the severity of the disease and person. Further research on this virus is still ongoing and we can fully outline the overall risks caused due to this virus.

Diagnosis

There are not many diagnostic tools for the detection of the mojiang 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 tests.⁸

Diagnostic methods for detecting the Nipah virus can be used for these viruses as they are from the same species. These methods include:

• Immunofluorescence assay
• Histopathology
• Isolation of virus and neutralization⁹

Treatment and prevention

Treatment of henipavirus is carried out by the use of Ribavirin, which is also administered in the case of Nipah virus. Another alternative method is the use of 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 consumption⁸

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). However, further studies are needed to delineate specific clinical features unique to Mojiang Henipavirus. Early signs of the virus include dizziness, fatigue, headache, fever, and myalgias. 

Transmission primarily occurs through bats, with other animals like pigs, cattle, and horses also posing 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 the Mojiang Henipavirus, can also be employed. Treatment involves the use of Ribavirin, 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, Mojiang Henipavirus presents a concerning public health threat with similarities 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.