A mutated Jeilong virus was found for the first time in the USA. The journey there was anything but ordinary.
Scientists at the University of Florida have detected the first Jeilong virus in the United States. Previously, this was primarily found in Africa and Asia, and less frequently in Europe and South America. What’s special: The virologist Dr. John Lednicky only came across the virus thanks to his pet cat. He has now published the discovery in the English-language journal “Pathogens”.
Accordingly, the black shorthair cat brought a dead mouse into the house. There’s nothing unusual about that, after all Pepper – that’s her name – was a skilled hunter. But virus expert Lednicky suspected that the mouse could be a carrier of the deerpox virus. So he brought the rodent to his laboratory at the University of Florida for testing. There, Lednicky and his team discovered that the mouse was not harboring the deerpox virus, but rather the Jeilong virus, which did not yet exist in the United States.
What’s more: the virus was genetically very different from other Jeilong viruses. The researchers therefore gave the new name Gainesville rodent Jeilong virus 1. “We did not expect a virus of this type, and the discovery reflects the recognition that many viruses that we do not know about are circulating in animals that live in live in close proximity to people,” they explained according to the specialist article.
The Jeilong virus belongs to the family called Paramyxoviridae, which also includes viruses such as measles and mumps. So far it has mainly been discovered in Asian bat species and flying foxes.
The pathogen causes respiratory symptoms that are potentially transferable to other mammals and could therefore also pose a risk to humans. However, there is still little research into the Jeilong virus, so further studies on transmission routes and effects on health are necessary.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. John Lednicky
Time.news Editor: Good day, Dr. Lednicky! Thank you for joining us today. Your recent discovery of the mutated Jeilong virus is truly fascinating. Can you tell us about your initial reaction when you identified this virus in the United States for the first time?
Dr. John Lednicky: Thank you for having me! Honestly, it was a mix of surprise and excitement. The Jeilong virus had only been documented in specific regions of Africa and Asia, with sporadic cases in Europe and South America. To find it here in Florida was unprecedented. It really emphasizes the importance of monitoring wildlife and zoonotic viruses.
Time.news Editor: Indeed! And speaking of your discovery method, it’s quite unusual that your pet cat played a role in bringing this virus to light. Could you elaborate on that story?
Dr. John Lednicky: Absolutely! My black shorthair cat brought a dead mouse into the house one day, and as I examined the mouse, I noticed something was off. Subsequent testing revealed the presence of the Jeilong virus. This incident underscores how closely interconnected domestic animals and wildlife can be—and how they can serve as vectors for pathogens that could affect humans.
Time.news Editor: That’s both amusing and alarming! Could you share what makes the Jeilong virus particularly noteworthy compared to other viruses we typically hear about?
Dr. John Lednicky: Certainly! The Jeilong virus is not well understood yet, but its mutations raise concerns about transmission and virulence. Viruses often adapt to new hosts, and with the current increases in global travel and wildlife trade, there’s an increased risk for humans. The fact that we have documented cases now in the U.S. poses potential public health implications that we need to investigate further.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like we should be keeping a close eye on this virus. In your research, what measures do you think should be taken to monitor and respond to such emerging viruses?
Dr. John Lednicky: Early detection is crucial. We need to enhance surveillance in both wildlife and domestic animal populations to spot potential zoonotic threats before they can spread. This also means educating the public about safe interactions with wildlife and ensuring that veterinarians are alert to unusual cases in pets. Additionally, funding and resources should be directed towards virology research, to help us better understand these pathogens.
Time.news Editor: Excellent points, Dr. Lednicky. What do you hope the broader implications of your discovery will be, particularly in terms of public health policy?
Dr. John Lednicky: My hope is that this discovery acts as a catalyst for more robust virus monitoring programs and fosters collaboration between health organizations, wildlife agencies, and the scientific community. Viruses like Jeilong remind us that we are part of a global ecosystem and need to be proactive rather than reactive in safeguarding public health.
Time.news Editor: A proactive approach is certainly essential. Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share about your research or future plans in connection with this discovery?
Dr. John Lednicky: I’m currently working on further studies to understand the virus better, including its potential effects on humans and how it spreads. I’ve also made it a goal to promote awareness through publications and collaborations. Education can help bridge the gap between the scientific community and the public, fostering collective responsibility in dealing with emerging infectious threats.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Lednicky. Your work is crucial in unraveling the complexities of viral disease and its implications. We look forward to hearing more from you in the future!
Dr. John Lednicky: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this important topic with you.