The Florida teen is the first human to contract the mosquito-like virus typically found in animals, the study says.

A Florida teenager has been infected with a virus transmitted by mosquitoes never seen in humans, and researchers say that this could mean that there are more diseases spread by insects than what I do. we thought before.

He went to an emergency care clinic, where doctors initially thought he could have a Zika virus infection; However, it has been tested negative for the disease, reports a statement on the results. During his treatment, researchers at the University of Florida (UF) unexpectedly discovered Keystone virus samples in his system.

"Although the virus has never been found in humans, the infection can be quite common in North Florida," said Dr. J. Glenn Morris, director of the North American Cancer Institute. UF Emerging Pathogens Institute. "It's one of those cases where if you do not know how to look for something, you do not find it."

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Although the teenager did not say that he had symptoms of encephalitis or inflammation of the brain, the researchers say that it could still pose a threat to people infected with Keystone virus.

"This virus is part of a group commonly known as the California virus serogroup," said the study's editor-in-chief and the department's public health and public health department. UF, John Lednicky. "These viruses are known to cause encephalitis in several species, including humans."

The virus has responded well when it is grown inside a cell culture called Neuro-2A, which are made from mouse brain cells, depending on the version. This suggests that the disease could affect brain cells and cause infections.

The researchers say that there could be more undiagnosed cases of this virus and others in humans.

"All kinds of viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes, but we do not fully understand the transmission rate of the disease," Morris said.

The Keystone virus has been found in animals living in coastal areas of Texas at Chesapeake Bay, however, some scientists have long suspected that it could spread to humans as well.

In 1972, scientists tested people in the Tampa Bay area and found antibodies to the disease in 19 to 21 percent of the cases studied, the statement said.

"Further research on the spread of vector-borne diseases will help us shed light on the pathogens of greatest concern to human and animal health," Morris said.

He added that people should reduce their risk of mosquito bites by using a repellent at all times in areas where insects are found.