20 New Bat Viruses in China Show Links to Deadly Diseases

Tejal Somvanshi

Scientists have found 20 new viruses in bats living near human settlements in China, raising public health concerns.

Photo Source: Srikaanth Sekar (Animalia)

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These viruses were discovered in bat kidneys from 142 bats across ten species in China's Yunnan province, using a new approach that went beyond studying just bat droppings.

Photo Source: Srikaanth Sekar (Animalia)

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Two of these newly discovered viruses are closely related to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses, which can cause severe brain inflammation and respiratory disease in humans.

Photo Source: Srikaanth Sekar (Animalia)

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The most concerning virus shares up to 71% of its genetic material with known deadly viruses. But does this similarity mean these new viruses can infect humans?

Photo Source: Srikaanth Sekar (Animalia)

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These infected bats were found roosting near fruit orchards adjacent to rural villages, creating potential transmission pathways to humans through contaminated fruits.

Photo Source: Srikaanth Sekar (Animalia)

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Professor Vinod Balasubramaniam warns these viruses are "particularly concerning" because they were found in bat kidneys, organs linked to urine production that could contaminate fruits or water

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Previous outbreaks of similar viruses happened when humans consumed food contaminated by bat urine, such as date palm sap in past Nipah virus cases.

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Despite these concerns, experts confirm these viruses haven't been found in humans yet, and there's no evidence they can infect people - no immediate danger exists.

Photo Source: Indian Flying FoxJan Arendtsz (Animalia)

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Beyond viruses, researchers also discovered a new parasite (Klossiella yunnanensis) and a new bacterial species (Flavobacterium yunnanensis) in the same bat populations.

Photo Source: David Brossard (Animalia)

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Experts recommend strengthening local health systems, covering fruits, boiling water, and expanding microbial monitoring beyond bat droppings to reduce potential risks.

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"Pandemics always reflect how humans disturb natural environments," says virologist Edward Holmes. "Better surveillance is always the key."

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