Natural Circulation of Tick-borne Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus in the City Ecosystem, China

Abstract

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is rapidly expanding its range in China, because of the accelerated spread of the parthenogenetic Haemaphysalis longicornis, Asian long-horned tick (ALT). In this letter, we report the urban circulation of SFTSV between ALTs and hedgehogs in Beijing, China. HighlightsHedgehogs and ALTs can maintain the natural circulation of SFTSV in the city ecosystem. Hedgehogs and ALTs are becoming common in Beijing. Parthenogenetic ALTs are discovered in Beijing.