BREAKING! Rustrela Virus Has Crossed Over From Wood Mice To Cats, Threatening Feline Lives Across Europe Including Poland. Humans Could Be Next!
Researchers Warn Than The Virus Is Also Affecting Other Mammals And Humans Could Be At Possible Risk Should The Virus Mutate.
Rustrela Virus: In a concerning development, a puzzling disease has emerged, targeting cats across Europe, with Poland at the epicenter of the crisis. Veterinarians are reporting unprecedented neurological and respiratory symptoms in affected felines, and they warn that the current lack of effective treatment raises concerns about potential risks for humans if the virus mutates.
https://wydarzenia.interia.pl/kraj/news-tajemnicza-choroba-u-kotow-zadne-leczenie-nie-przynosi-rezul,nId,6850749
Dubbed the "staggering disease" due to its distinctive impact on cats' motor functions, this enigmatic ailment has left veterinarians baffled, desperately seeking answers to save feline lives.
Symptoms and Grim Outlook
According to veterinarians, cats afflicted by the staggering disease display an array of alarming symptoms. These include hyperglycemia, limb stiffness, shortness of breath, seizures, and unresponsive pupils. Tragically, the time from symptom onset to death is shockingly brief, with affected cats succumbing within a mere 24 to 48 hours. The gravity of the situation is further underscored by the fact that current treatment options have proven futile, leaving veterinarians grappling with the urgent need for a breakthrough.
Unraveling the Mystery
In an international effort to shed light on this dire situation, a collaboration of researchers from Germany, Austria, and Sweden has made a significant breakthrough. Their investigations have culminated in a paper, as yet unreviewed, which they have released on the bioRxiv preprint site last year.
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.01.494454v1
The Rise of Rustrela Virus
While the staggering disease has been recognized by scientists for nearly half a century, it gained widespread attention in 2020 following the deaths of several animals, including a capybara, a donkey, and a tree kangaroo in Germany.
Previously associated with encephalitis across various species, the disease has recently become predominantly prevalent among domestic cats.
Contrary to initial beliefs linking the Borna disease virus to the staggering disease, subsequent investigations failed to confirm this hypothesis. Undeterred, the research team adopted a fresh approach, meticulously examining the brains of 29 euthanized cats from Germany, Austria, and Sweden. Surprisingly, their efforts yielded a different culprit -
rustrela virus. A close relative of the rubella virus, which afflicts humans, rustrela virus was detected in 28 out of the 29 brains examined.
The Implications
With rustrela virus identifie
d as the likely cause of the staggering disease, the research team warns that this is not an isolated phenomenon. The virus, traditionally found in wood mice, may have already infected a range of other mammals, potentially including humans. As concerns mount regarding the virus's ability to mutate, the need for swift action and heightened vigilance becomes paramount.
A Race Against Time
In light of the rapidly escalating crisis, veterinarians are urgently appealing to cat owners to remain vigilant and seek immediate veterinary attention if their feline companions exhibit any concerning symptoms. As the disease shows no discrimination, affecting cats of all ages, diets, and living environments, it is crucial to prioritize preventive measures and limit potential exposure.
Hope Amidst Uncertainty
While the staggering disease continues to claim feline lives, researchers are striving to unlock the secrets of rustrela virus and develop effective treatments. Collaborations between scientific institutions, government agencies, and veterinary communities are intensifying, aiming to contain the outbreak and prevent further tragedy. In this race against time, the shared goal is to safeguard the health and well-being of our beloved feline companions, and to protect ourselves from potential risks.
For more developments on the
Rustrela Virus Outbreak In Poland and elsewhere In Europe, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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