New Henipavirus Detected in Alabama

The discovery of the Camp Hill virus marks the first detection of a henipavirus in Alabama, North America. This event highlights henipaviruses—a group of extremely dangerous pathogens capable of causing severe, often fatal infections with symptoms including fever, respiratory distress, and cerebral edema. Thanks to advancements in genetic analysis, nearly 20 types of henipaviruses have been identified, found on every continent except Antarctica.

Notable Viral Outbreaks

• Hendra Virus (discovered in Australia, 1994):
  The first identified henipavirus, it caused 7 human infections, of which 4 were fatal.

• Nipah Virus (discovered in Malaysia, 1998):
  Far more lethal, it has caused 30 outbreaks across Southeast Asia, with over 600 confirmed cases and mortality rates reaching up to 100% in certain outbreaks.

• Mojiang Virus (China):
  Linked to the deaths of three miners.

• Langya Virus (China):
  Transmitted by shrews, this virus infected 35 individuals, all of whom recovered.

Transmission Risks

The Camp Hill virus was identified in tissue samples from short-tailed shrews in 2021. It is likely transmitted by bats through saliva or urine, and horses are also considered potential intermediary hosts. Henipaviruses are highly adaptable and capable of infecting a wide range of hosts—including bats, horses, monkeys, dogs, and rodents. Unlike viruses such as measles, which only infect humans, henipaviruses demonstrate a high level of host flexibility, increasing the risk of zoonotic transmission.

As of now, no human infections with the Camp Hill virus have been confirmed, but its potential for spread remains a significant concern for epidemiologic surveillance. Currently, there are no approved treatments or vaccines for any henipavirus. However, intensive research is underway to develop a vaccine against the Nipah virus, along with new therapeutic approaches such as monoclonal antibodies.

Conclusion

The global spread of henipaviruses and the emergence of new variants underscore the urgent need for ongoing surveillance of zoonotic pathogens. Although only a few henipaviruses have caused human infections to date, the risk of transmission remains real. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for enhanced research efforts and preventive strategies to promptly identify and control potential outbreaks.

Source

New Henipavirus Detected in Alabama - Medscape - May 06, 2025.