The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced today (May 12) that, in response to a recent study published in the international journal *Nature Microbiology*, which suggests that the "Cryptant Morbid Noda Virus (CMNV)," found in aquatic animals, may have cross-species transmission capabilities and could potentially cause "Persistent High-Pressure Viral Anterior Uveitis (POH-VAU)" in humans, the CDC proactively convened a meeting on May 4 with relevant medical associations and experts to discuss and establish a testing mechanism to protect the health and safety of the public.
The CDC explained that CMNV has been listed as an emerging infectious disease by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), and infection cases have been reported in shrimp farms in China and Thailand; currently, only China has reported suspected human cases of CMNV infection globally.
The research report inferred that human infection with CMNV may be related to handling or consuming raw aquatic products; however, further evidence is needed to confirm whether this virus has the ability to effectively infect human eye tissues.
Major international public health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the US CDC, and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), have not received any reports of related human cases, nor have they listed it as an urgent public health threat.
Furthermore, regarding domestic surveillance, the Taiwan Agricultural Bureau's (Agricultural Science Institute) has not detected CMNV in any of the past five years (2021-2026) of surveillance of white shrimp cases and the domestic animal disease prevention and control network.
Based on a comprehensive assessment, the risk of domestic transmission is extremely low.
However, to prevent any potential outbreaks, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has established a relevant specimen submission mechanism and issued a circular to the medical community today, reminding clinicians to be vigilant and, in the event of suspected cases, to thoroughly investigate the patient's exposure history to aquatic animals and seafood, and to collect clinical specimens for testing if necessary.
The CDC emphasizes that agriculture and health authorities will continue to maintain close communication, strengthen monitoring of domestic and international epidemic dynamics and transmission risks, and implement the spirit of integrated epidemic prevention.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also reiterated its reminder to tourists traveling to China and Thailand to take special precautions against CMNV (Contagious Disease Infection).
Tourists should ensure seafood is thoroughly cooked, and high-risk groups (such as those with weakened immune systems and chronic diseases) should avoid eating raw seafood.
When handling raw seafood, it is recommended to wear gloves, avoid direct contact with raw food if you have any open wounds, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling to reduce the risk of infection.
Source:
Link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/y-8WwSZtKW-JANyrfc6B4A?typeid=9
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