Researchers at the University of Queensland (UQ) have identified the first known henipavirus in North America, a discovery that could reshape the global understanding of these potentially deadly viruses. Named Camp Hill virus, the pathogen was detected in shrews in Alabama, marking a significant expansion of the henipavirus family’s known geographic range.
A Dangerous Family of Viruses
Henipaviruses are known to cause severe disease and high mortality rates in both humans and animals. According to Dr. Rhys Parry from UQ’s School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, some of the most notorious henipaviruses include:
- Hendra virus – First identified in Brisbane, Australia, this virus has a staggering 70% fatality rate.
- Nipah virus – Responsible for outbreaks in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Bangladesh, with fatality rates ranging between 40% and 75%
The presence of the Camp Hill virus in North America is particularly concerning because it suggests that henipaviruses may be far more widespread than previously believed.
Potential Risks of Henipavirus to Humans Still Unclear
The Camp Hill virus was discovered in northern short-tailed shrews, a small mammal species with a broad range across the U.S. and Canada. While the virus’s ability to infect humans remains unknown, researchers are taking the discovery seriously.
Dr. Parry highlighted the importance of further investigation, referencing the Langya virus, a close relative of the Camp Hill virus detected in humans in China. “This indicates that shrew-to-human transmission can occur,” he explained, raising concerns about the potential for another zoonotic spillover event.
Next Steps: Studying and Preventing Potential Spread
To mitigate potential risks, UQ researchers focus on vaccine development and understanding how the virus interacts with human cells. Dr. Ariel Isaacs, a co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of studying key viral proteins that facilitate cell entry.
“The next step for this work is to characterize key surface proteins on the virus involved in cell entry to broaden our understanding of the virus family and identify better ways to protect against it,” Dr. Isaacs said.
The study was conducted with scientists from Auburn University and the University of Rochester, along with UQ researchers Dr. Naphak Modhiran and Professor Daniel Watterson.
As scientists work to determine whether the Camp Hill virus poses a threat to humans, the discovery serves as a stark reminder that emerging viruses can surface anywhere and that global surveillance remains critical in preventing future outbreaks.
Reference: Rhys H. Parry, KayLene Y.H. Yamada, Wendy R. Hood, Yang Zhao, Jinlong Y. Lu, Andrei Seluanov, Vera Gorbunova, Naphak Modhiran, Daniel Watterson, Ariel Isaacs. Henipavirus in Northern Short-Tailed Shrew, Alabama, USA. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2025.
