Chinese biologists have discovered a new virus in shrimp and fish, which they have named "POH-VAU," that can be transmitted to humans and cause a rare eye disease.
The study on this subject was published in the journal Nature Microbiology.
According to the study, the virus can enter the human body through the consumption of raw seafood. Biologists stated that over 70% of patients infected with the virus were diagnosed with persistent ocular hypertension, a condition that causes severe inflammation of the eye and elevated intraocular pressure, sometimes leading to complete vision loss.
Scientists previously believed that viruses similar to POH-VAU could not infect human tissue, and thought they only posed a threat to marine animals.
However, according to researchers, the virus has mutated, and the first cases of human infection have already been recorded. Since it is found in raw or undercooked seafood, all sushi, roll, and lightly salted fish enthusiasts are automatically at risk.
The article stated that this discovery confirms once again that the boundaries between species are unclear, which calls into question conclusions about the safety of a number of viruses for humans.
