Taiwan CDC Assesses Low Domestic CMNV Transmission Risk, Establishes Reporting and Testing Mechanism
Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has assessed the domestic transmission risk of the 'Hidden Mortality Nodavirus' (CMNV) as extremely low and has established a reporting and testing mechanism. This virus, originating from aquatic animals, has been suggested to have potential for cross-species transmission to humans, but further evidence is needed.
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- 📰 Published: May 12, 2026 at 19:10
- 🔍 Collected: May 12, 2026 at 19:32 (21 min after Published)
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Central News Agency (CNA) reporter Tseng Yi-ning, Taipei, May 12 – The 'Hidden Mortality Nodavirus' (CMNV) has garnered attention. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) today stated that it has invited relevant medical societies and experts for discussions, and currently assesses the domestic transmission risk as extremely low. A reporting and testing mechanism has been established, and a letter has been sent to remind the medical community.
An international journal, 'Nature Microbiology,' reported that the 'Hidden Mortality Nodavirus' (CMNV), found in aquatic animals in nature, is suspected to have the potential for cross-species transmission to humans, possibly leading to 'Persistent Ocular Hypertension Viral Anterior Uveitis (POH-VAU)' in humans. This has attracted significant attention on social media.
Tseng Shu-hui, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Centers for Disease Control, explained at today's regular epidemic weekly report that to protect the health and safety of the public, the CDC proactively convened relevant medical societies and experts on the 4th for a joint discussion and assessment. The comprehensive evaluation concluded that the domestic transmission risk is extremely low. The CDC has also established a testing mechanism, and the relevant virus can now be tested at the national laboratory.
Tseng Shu-hui stated that the expert meeting also decided that if persistent uveitis occurs clinically, after ruling out other common infectious diseases, it can be reported, and specimens can be sent to the CDC laboratory for testing. In addition, a general circular was issued to the medical community today, reminding physicians that if suspected cases are encountered, it is recommended to inquire about exposure history to aquatic animals and seafood products, and if necessary, collect specimens for testing.
Regarding human infection with CMNV, the CDC pointed out that the research report's inference might be related to handling fresh seafood without protective measures or consuming raw fresh seafood. However, further evidence is needed to confirm whether this virus truly has the ability to effectively infect human eye tissue.
The CDC noted that CMNV has been listed as an emerging infectious disease by the World Organisation for Animal Health and has been reported in shrimp farms in China and Thailand. However, regarding suspected human infection cases, only China has reported them so far. The World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have not yet reported any CMNV-related cases, nor have they listed it as an urgent threat.
As for the current domestic monitoring situation, the CDC stated that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture's monitoring of white shrimp post-delivery cases and the domestic animal epidemic information network from 2021 to 2026 have not detected CMNV.
The CDC reminds people traveling to China and Thailand to pay special attention to preventing CMNV. Seafood should be thoroughly cooked, and high-risk groups such as immunocompromised individuals and patients with chronic diseases should avoid consuming raw seafood. When handling fresh seafood, it is recommended to wear gloves, avoid direct contact with fresh ingredients if there are wounds on hands, and thoroughly wash hands with soap and water afterward to reduce the risk of infection. (Editor: Wu Su-jou) 1150512
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An international journal, 'Nature Microbiology,' reported that the 'Hidden Mortality Nodavirus' (CMNV), found in aquatic animals in nature, is suspected to have the potential for cross-species transmission to humans, possibly leading to 'Persistent Ocular Hypertension Viral Anterior Uveitis (POH-VAU)' in humans. This has attracted significant attention on social media.
Tseng Shu-hui, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Centers for Disease Control, explained at today's regular epidemic weekly report that to protect the health and safety of the public, the CDC proactively convened relevant medical societies and experts on the 4th for a joint discussion and assessment. The comprehensive evaluation concluded that the domestic transmission risk is extremely low. The CDC has also established a testing mechanism, and the relevant virus can now be tested at the national laboratory.
Tseng Shu-hui stated that the expert meeting also decided that if persistent uveitis occurs clinically, after ruling out other common infectious diseases, it can be reported, and specimens can be sent to the CDC laboratory for testing. In addition, a general circular was issued to the medical community today, reminding physicians that if suspected cases are encountered, it is recommended to inquire about exposure history to aquatic animals and seafood products, and if necessary, collect specimens for testing.
Regarding human infection with CMNV, the CDC pointed out that the research report's inference might be related to handling fresh seafood without protective measures or consuming raw fresh seafood. However, further evidence is needed to confirm whether this virus truly has the ability to effectively infect human eye tissue.
The CDC noted that CMNV has been listed as an emerging infectious disease by the World Organisation for Animal Health and has been reported in shrimp farms in China and Thailand. However, regarding suspected human infection cases, only China has reported them so far. The World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have not yet reported any CMNV-related cases, nor have they listed it as an urgent threat.
As for the current domestic monitoring situation, the CDC stated that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture's monitoring of white shrimp post-delivery cases and the domestic animal epidemic information network from 2021 to 2026 have not detected CMNV.
The CDC reminds people traveling to China and Thailand to pay special attention to preventing CMNV. Seafood should be thoroughly cooked, and high-risk groups such as immunocompromised individuals and patients with chronic diseases should avoid consuming raw seafood. When handling fresh seafood, it is recommended to wear gloves, avoid direct contact with fresh ingredients if there are wounds on hands, and thoroughly wash hands with soap and water afterward to reduce the risk of infection. (Editor: Wu Su-jou) 1150512
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship you provide is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the CNA 'First-hand News' APP to stay updated with the latest news.
Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.