Langya Virus

What Is It, How Is It Transmitted, and More

Author: Lily Guo

Editor: Alyssa Haag

Editor: Emily Miao, PharmD

Editor: Kelsey LaFayette, DNP

Illustrator: Abbey Richard

Copyeditor: David G. Walker

Modified: Jan 06, 2025

What is the Langya virus?

Langya virus refers to a newly emerged zoonotic virus (i.e., transmitted from animals to humans) that was first discovered in 2018. Langya virus belongs to the Henipavirus genus, which are enveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses. It is related to the Nipah virus and Hendra virus, which are highly virulent and cause severe respiratory disease. Langya virus has only infected 35 people in the Shandong and Henan provinces of eastern China; therefore, much remains unknown. No fatalities have been reported from the Langya virus to date, and the symptoms are relatively mild.

An infographic detailing the background, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of Langya virus infection; including a map of China and a shrew.

How is the Langya virus transmitted?

Langya virus is thought to be transmitted from close contact with animals, most likely shrews; however, the virus has been detected in goats and dogs as well. Currently, mode of animal-to-human transmission is unknown and human-to-human transmission has not yet been demonstrated, but the possibility should not be ruled out due to the limited knowledge of the virus. Those who are infected can have an incubation period that lasts as long as 2 months, but most cases range from 5 to 16 days. During this period, infected individuals may be asymptomatic and can potentially be contagious. Farmers and manufacturing workers are the most at risk due to their close proximity to animals. In order to minimize the risk of the Langya virus spreading, large-scale studies, including contact tracing, should be performed.

What are the signs and symptoms of Langya virus infection?

The signs and symptoms of Langya virus infection include respiratory symptoms, such as cough. Constitutional symptoms are common, including fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle aches, nausea, and headaches. The symptoms are nonspecific and generally mild in nature. The duration of illness and incubation period among individuals with these symptoms remains uncertain due to the limited number of affected individuals. Langya virus has been associated with leukopenia (i.e., low white blood cell count), which could result in compromised immunity against other opportunistic infections. Thrombocytopenia (i.e., a decreased number of platelets) was also observed in some cases; presence of clinically significant bleeding or adverse events are currently unknown. Lastly, pneumonia and impaired liver and kidney function have been reported; however, the severity of impairment and the need for hospitalization is unknown.

How is a Langya virus infection diagnosed?

Langya virus is diagnosed based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of swab samples collected from the throats of individuals infected with the virus. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of blood or cerebrospinal fluid can also aid in diagnosis. Aside from confirmatory laboratory testing, no specific clinical diagnostic criteria have been created to identify the Langya virus given the nonspecific nature of the illness. A tracking system to identify and halt the spread of the viral infection has been activated by the Chinese Public Health System. The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control has begun work on genomic sequencing of the Langya virus. Further research including potential severity, modes of transportation, and prevalence are required, and enhanced monitoring can be important in preventing the spread of the Langya virus.

How is a Langya virus infection treated?

There are currently no specific treatments or vaccines that have been created to target the novel Langya virus. Similar to other Henipaviruses, treatment is generally supportive and may include rest; hydration; and taking medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin), to reduce symptoms of fever, aches, and pains. Ribavirin, an antiviral drug that is used for Hendra and Nipah viruses may also be used; however, it is unknown if the drug is successful against Langya virus. Prevention can be helpful in protecting against zoonotic infections, which can include frequent hand washing with soap and water, especially after contact with animals and avoiding unnecessary contact with wild animals altogether.

What are the most important facts to know about the Langya virus?

Langya virus is a novel virus that was first identified in China in 2018. While there have been 35 cases, much about the virus remains unknown. The virus causes mild fever and flu-like symptoms and is likely transmitted from animals (specifically shrews) to humans. No deaths due to the Langya virus have been recorded thus far, and no known cases have been transmitted from person to person. Diagnosis for Langya virus infection is made based on laboratory testing of throat swabs and blood samples. There are no targeted treatments or vaccines for the virus. Further research on potential severity, modes of transportation, and prevalence is required. Enhanced monitoring through an internationally collaborative effort can be beneficial in preventing the spread of the Langya virus.

References

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Chakraborty S, Chandran D, Mohapatra RK, Islam MA, Alagawany M, Bhattacharya M, Chakraborty C, Dhama K. Langya virus, a newly identified henipavirus in China - Zoonotic pathogen causing febrile illness in humans, and its health concerns: Current knowledge and counteracting strategies - Correspondence. Int J Surg. 2022;105:106882. doi: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2022.106882

Langya Henipavirus: Another Virus from China, Symptoms & How it Spreads. The Times of India. Published August 11, 2022. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/langya-henipavirus-another-virus-from-china-symptoms-how-it-spreads/articleshow/93496524.cms

Panda S. China Reports Cases of Langya Virus. What Is This New Zoonotic Disease that Has Infected over 30 People? Financial Express Healthcare. Published August 10, 2022. https://www.financialexpress.com/healthcare/news-healthcare/china-reports-cases-of-langya-virus-what-is-this-new-zoonotic-disease-that-has-infected-over-30-people/2624570/

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