Scientists discover new tick-borne virus after testing thousands of patients with mysterious illnesses

Scientists in China have identified a previously unknown tick-borne virus that can cause flu-like illness, fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms, according to a new study. The newly discovered virus, the Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV) — which is part of the orthonairovirus group — has also been found to cause thrombocytopenia (reduced blood platelet counts) and laboratory evidence of liver-cell injury or inflammation. Since 2009, Chinese researchers have been tracking patients with unu