Seafood Virus Linked To Emerging Human Eye Disease –Study

A new study has identified a link between a virus commonly found in marine animals and a chronic eye disease in humans, raising important public health questions about seafood handling and consumption.

Researchers reporting in ‘Nature Microbiology’ found that covert mortality nodavirus (CMNV)—a virus known to infect shrimp, fish, and other aquatic species—may be responsible for a growing number of cases of persistent ocular hypertension viral anterior uveitis (POH-VAU) in China.

This condition causes severe eye inflammation and dangerously high intraocular pressure, which can threaten vision if untreated.

The findings carry significant public health implications. CMNV has already been detected in 49 aquatic species worldwide, suggesting the risk may extend beyond China.