CMNV (Covert Mortality Nodavirus) in Maine

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 causes POH-VAU (Persistent Ocular Hypertensive Viral Anterior Uveitis), a severe eye disease characterized by recurring inflammation, extreme ocular pressure, and progressive vision loss. This is currently the only known human disease caused by CMNV.

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.