Measles-like virus seen as cause of dolphin deaths

Category: Virus Killer

A virus similar to measles in humans has tentatively been identified as the cause of a massive dolphin die-off along mid-Atlantic states.

The possible killer is morbillivirus, which is common in some marine mammals, said officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

If the virus is indeed causing the deaths, its unclear why it has become so lethal this summer. Factors such as some other germ or a natural toxin could be contributing to the deaths, officials said.

Since July 1, 357 dolphins have turned up dead or dying from New York to North Carolina. Thats more than nine times the normal number for that period in that region.

More than two dozen of the dead animals have tested positive for the morbillivirus or are suspected of having had the virus.

An investigation is continuing, and it could take months.

Original post:
Measles-like virus seen as cause of dolphin deaths

Related Posts
August 31st, 2013
No comments yet

Comments are closed.