Scientists in China have linked the covert mortality nodavirus (CMNV) to cases of persistent ocular hypertension viral anterior uveitis (POH-VAU), a condition that can cause permanent blindness. The researchers found evidence of the virus in the eye tissues of people with POHVAU, many of whom reported recent exposure to raw seafood or marine animals. They also found that CMNV could cause similar eye symptoms in infected mice. If confirmed, CMNV would appear to be the first virus native to aquatic life tied to an eye disease in humans. This discovery highlights the potential for emerging zoonotic diseases to spread from animals to humans, highlighting the need for further research to confirm the role of CMNV.