CMNV (Covert Mortality Nodavirus) in Virginia

CMNV causes POH-VAU, a severe eye disease. Human symptoms include: severe eye pain and throbbing, extreme ocular hypertension (dangerously high eye pressure), recurring episodes of eye redness and inflammation, blurred or decreased vision, light sensitivity, and seeing floaters or spots. In advanced cases: progressive optic nerve damage, corneal damage, iris atrophy, and permanent vision loss or blindness. Symptoms recur in episodes and worsen over time without treatment.

CMNV infection in humans is serious and can cause permanent vision loss. The virus infects eye tissue and causes recurring inflammation that progressively damages the optic nerve, cornea, and iris. Standard eye pressure medications often fail to control it. Early detection and treatment with steroid eye drops and pressure-lowering medications is critical to prevent blindness.

CMNV (Covert Mortality Nodavirus) is an aquatic virus that was recently discovered to infect humans, causing a severe eye disease called POH-VAU. While primarily a disease of shrimp and marine animals, CMNV can infect human eye tissue when people handle raw seafood or consume raw aquatic animals.

Humans acquire CMNV through handling raw seafood without protection, consuming raw or undercooked aquatic animals, and exposure to contaminated water during seafood processing. 71.4% of human cases involve frequent seafood handling or raw seafood consumption.

CMNV has been found in 49 aquatic species globally, including whiteleg shrimp, various fish species, and other marine animals. The virus is particularly prevalent in shrimp farming operations and exists in waters throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

No, CMNV does not spread person-to-person. It's acquired only through direct contact with infected aquatic animals, their tissues, or contaminated water. This makes it a zoonotic disease (animal to human) rather than a contagious human disease.

CMNV exists in aquatic environments worldwide, including coastal waters in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. It's particularly common in shrimp farming regions. Check the outbreak data above for current surveillance information.