Chinese researchers have discovered a virus that normally infects marine animals can jump to humans and cause a persistent eye disease.

This discovery highlights the emerging risk of cross-species transmission from aquatic environments to humans, potentially introducing new pathogens into the human population.

The study, published in April 2026 [1], identifies the pathogen as a shrimp-derived virus known as CMNV. Researchers said the virus is capable of infecting human eyes, leading to symptoms that mirror glaucoma [2]. This condition manifests as a persistent disease that affects ocular health.

Evidence suggests the virus is widespread among marine life. It has been detected in more than 20 aquatic species [3]. The researchers said the transmission to humans is likely linked to the handling or consumption of raw seafood [4].

While the virus primarily targets aquatic animals, its ability to adapt to human hosts suggests a breach in the species barrier. The researchers focused on how the virus interacts with human cells to trigger the inflammatory and pressure-related symptoms associated with the disease [2].

Public health officials in China are reviewing the findings to determine the prevalence of the infection and whether current seafood processing standards are sufficient to prevent transmission [4]. The study emphasizes that as aquaculture expands, the proximity between humans and farmed marine species increases the likelihood of such zoonotic events [5].

“A virus that normally infects marine animals has been found to infect human eyes.”

The jump of CMNV from marine animals to humans underscores the volatility of zoonotic transmission in the food supply chain. Because the virus causes glaucoma-like symptoms, it presents a unique challenge for ophthalmologists who may not initially suspect a viral origin for these symptoms. This development suggests a need for increased biosafety monitoring in seafood farming and processing to prevent the establishment of aquatic viruses in human populations.