A previously unidentified virus with the potential to cause illnesses resembling severe malaria has been discovered in Peru.

The virus was detected in a man in his twenties who was admitted to the hospital after experiencing high fever, headaches, chills, and muscle pain for two days.

Initially perplexed by the mysterious illness, doctors conducted laboratory research, revealing the presence of a new and unknown pathogen.

The virus has been classified as a phlebovirus, capable of causing acute fever-related diseases such as malaria and Rift Valley fever.

Typically transmitted through insects like sandflies, mosquitoes, or ticks, the virus poses a potential health risk.

There are a total of 66 species of phlebovirus, with nine known to cause fever-related diseases in Central and South America.

However, only three have been identified in Peru, namely the Echarate virus (ECHV), Maldonado virus, and Candiru virus.

Researchers, as reported in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, have observed the virus spreading in the forests of Peru.

They emphasise the need for continuous monitoring due to the clinical symptoms resembling dengue fever, malaria, and other infectious tropical diseases common in the region.

“Our findings indicate that a novel variant of ECHV is currently spreading in the central forest areas of Peru. As the clinical symptoms of the infection resemble dengue fever, malaria, and other tropical infectious diseases prevalent in this region, continuous monitoring is essential to detect new and emerging pathogens to safeguard the health of the population,” stated the research team.

(Source: Metro UK and Kosmo!)