Encephalomyocarditis Virus

Encephalomyocarditis Virus Latest News

Recently, an autopsy report from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute revealed that a lone African elephant at the National Zoological Park in Delhi died due to the rare rodent-borne virus — encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV). 

About Encephalomyocarditis Virus

• It is a non-enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus that is part of the Cardiovirus genus and Picornaviridae family.
• It is the causative agent of encephalomyocarditis (EMC) infection in swine and other mammals.
• African elephants are particularly susceptible to the virus, with outbreaks reported worldwide in captivity and in the wild.
• EMCV is a zoonotic disease, therefore humans are susceptible to infection. Most infections in humans are asymptomatic.
• Transmission: The virus can be transmitted by food or water contamination caused from feces or urine of a rodent species.
• Symptoms of Encephalomyocarditis Virus infection in humans: Symptoms of EMCV infection in humans can include fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, neurological symptoms like confusion and seizures.
• Hosts: Pigs, non-human primates, zoo animals, and various wild species can be affected.
• Treatment: Supportive care to manage symptoms and complications, with no specific treatment available.

Source: IE

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