An international study has put the scientific community on alert after identifying for the first time the possible transmission to humans of the so-called covert mortality nodavirus, a pathogen until now limited to marine species. The research links this virus with a severe ocular pathology that can lead to vision loss if not treated in time.
What is nodavirus and why it worries
The covert mortality nodavirus is a virus known in the field of aquaculture for its impact on species such as white shrimp. Until now, its presence was limited to aquatic animals, but new data point to a possible jump to humans, which would place it within the group of zoonotic diseases.
This type of transmission -from animals to people- is what has been behind recent health crises, which has raised attention on any new pathogen with this behavior.
What disease it causes in humans
The researchers have associated the virus with an ocular pathology called anterior uveitis with persistent ocular hypertension, a severe inflammation of the eye that elevates intraocular pressure. In the most severe cases, this process can damage the optic nerve and cause irreversible vision loss, with a mechanism similar to that of glaucoma if not intervened in time.
How the contagion occurs
The study detects a clear pattern in the analyzed cases. More than 70% of the patients had been in direct contact with unprotected marine products or had consumed raw fish or seafood.
This data places the main risk in the handling and consumption of aquatic products without the adequate measures of hygiene or cooking.
Where the cases have been detected
The analyzed patients come from regions with high aquaculture activity, which reinforces the relationship between the virus and environments where frequent contact with marine species exists.
Furthermore, the virus has already been identified in dozens of aquatic species on different continents, which opens the door to broader monitoring by health authorities.
Treatment and evolution
The detected cases have mostly responded to combined treatments with antivirals, anti-inflammatories, and drugs to control ocular pressure.
However, in more advanced situations, surgical intervention may be necessary to prevent permanent vision damage.
Why this finding is relevant
The main element of concern is not only the disease itself, but the confirmation that an aquatic virus can cross the barrier between species.
This type of findings obliges to reinforce epidemiological surveillance and to pay attention to environments where contact between humans and animals is frequent, especially in sectors like aquaculture.
The study thus opens a new line of research on emerging viruses and their potential impact on public health.