Another virus scare from China: Scientists find new health threats in Chinese bats

Researchers in China have uncovered at least 20 new viruses in bats, sparking “urgent concerns” that they could spread to livestock or humans.

Using genetic sequencing, the team identified 22 viruses in kidney tissues from 142 bats in Yunnan province, collected between 2017 and 2021.

Of the newly identified 22 viruses, two are said to be extremely dangerous.

The two resemble Hendra and Nipah henipaviruses, which can cause severe brain inflammation and respiratory illness in humans, according to The Sun.

As per reports, the fatality rate of diseases caused by these viruses can be as high as 75 per cent.

The study also revealed unknown bacteria and a new single-celled parasite, Klossiella yunnanensis.

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Significance of the discovery

This discovery comes years after the Covid-19 pandemic, which first emerged in Wuhan, China, in 2019, killing millions around the globe.

The Wuhan Virus Research Centre, known for studying bat coronaviruses, was previously linked to theories suggesting a lab leak caused the outbreak.

What are researchers warning about?

The bats in this study were found roosting near fruit orchards close to populated villages.

Researchers warn that bat urine could transmit henipaviruses, potentially contaminating fruit eaten by humans or animals, risking another outbreak.

The study identified two new henipaviruses, Yunnan bat henipavirus 1 and 2, the first full-length genomes of this virus type found in Chinese bats.

Molecular virologist Vinod Balasubramaniam called the findings “concerning,” noting the viruses were in bat kidneys, linked to urine production, which could expose humans through contaminated fruit or water.

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These viruses share 52-57 per cent genetic material with other henipaviruses, which have caused deadly outbreaks before.

Though there’s no certainty of these viruses spilling over to humans, past incidents like the Nipah outbreak in Bangladesh, linked to bat-contaminated fruit sap, show it’s possible.

Yunnan’s proximity to Malaysia, where Nipah first emerged, heightens concerns among virologists about the virus’s risk.

Ecologist Dr. Alison Peel noted that not all henipaviruses are harmful, but lab tests are crucial to determine their potential to infect humans.