Scientists have identified the Camp Hill virus, a henipavirus, in shrews in Alabama, marking its first detection in North America.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have discovered the first henipavirus detected in North America.
Dr. Rhys Parry from the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences confirmed the presence of Camp Hill virus in shrews in Alabama, USA. “Henipaviruses have caused serious disease and death in people and animals in other regions,” Dr Parry said
“One of the most dangerous is the Hendra virus, which was first detected in Brisbane, Australia, and has a fatality rate of 70 percent.
“Another example is Nipah virus which has recorded fatality rates between 40 and 75 per cent in outbreaks in Southeast Asia, including in Malaysia and Bangladesh.