Overview
- The peer-reviewed Nature Microbiology study, reported Friday, links Covert Mortality Nodavirus to a sight-threatening eye syndrome known as POH-VAU.
- Researchers found the virus in eye tissues and documented antibody changes consistent with infection in 70 patients.
- Lab tests showed the virus can infect mammalian cells and, in mice, cause eye tissue damage with dangerous spikes in eye pressure.
- Epidemiology in the paper shows 71.4% of cases had unprotected contact with aquatic animals or ate raw seafood, pointing to occupational and dietary exposure.
- Infectious-disease expert Matteo Bassetti called the result an alarming new frontier and urged stronger surveillance and protections for seafood workers and consumers.