India urges genetic testing of lethal mystery virus:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Indian virologists have called for genetic testing to be carried out on an unknown, highly lethal, measles-like virus. The virus, which re-emerged in February, causes encephalitis in adults and children and also affects the lungs and kidneys. It is an airborne contagion, spread from the patient during the terminal phase of the disease, which is marked by pneumonia, reports the British Medical Journal. The latest outbreak is thought to be the third since 1998, when a similar virus was isolated in two highly fatal outbreaks. They also presented with renal failure and neurological symptoms. Immunisation has so far appeared to prove ineffective.