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News18
2 hours ago
- Health
- News18
Another Pandemic? Deadly New Bat Viruses Found In China, Scientists Warn Of 75% Fatality Rate
According to the study, two new henipaviruses found in fruit bats near farms may spread to humans or animals through urine-contaminated fruit, posing a serious zoonotic threat In a concerning development, scientists have detected 22 new viruses in bats that could pose a serious threat to global health. The discovery comes as the world continues to grapple with emerging COVID-19 variants, years after the pandemic began in Wuhan, China, in 2019. Experts warn that some of these newly identified viruses may lead to severe illness and potentially prove fatal. Researchers in China have identified at least 22 viruses in bats that could pose a future threat to both humans and animals. The viruses were detected in kidney tissues of 142 bats collected between 2017 and 2021 in Yunnan province. Notably, two of the viruses are closely related to the deadly Hendra and Nipah viruses. Experts have repeatedly cautioned that factors like climate change, deforestation, and expanding urban areas are forcing wildlife and humans into closer contact. This growing overlap raises the chances of new viruses jumping to humans, as witnessed in past outbreaks of SARS, Ebola, and COVID-19. According to the Bloomberg report, Tim Mahony, director of the Centre for Animal Science at the University of Queensland, noted that the study underscores just how little is known about the range of viruses circulating in bats and in the broader environment. Mahony, who was not involved in the research, stressed the importance of such findings in understanding future health threats. The study was carried out by a team of scientists from China and the University of Sydney, who examined kidney samples from 142 bats collected in Yunnan province over a four-year period. They detected a total of 22 viruses, 20 of which were previously unknown. Among the discoveries were two henipaviruses that are genetically similar to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses—both known to cause severe respiratory illness and fatal brain inflammation in humans, with mortality rates reaching up to 75%. As reported by Bloomberg, the research team also uncovered two previously unknown bacterial species and a new parasite. Unlike most bat virus studies that typically analyse fecal samples, this investigation focused on kidney tissue—an organ linked to viral shedding through urine, a less-explored but potentially significant transmission pathway. The two newly identified henipaviruses were found in fruit bats residing near farmland, where bat urine could contaminate fruits consumed by humans or livestock. The researchers warned that this mode of exposure presents serious zoonotic risks. In their published findings, they emphasized the urgent need to monitor the potential of these viruses to cross over to humans or domestic animals. The newly identified viruses, named Yunnan Bat Henipavirus 1 and 2, were previously unknown and share 52 to 57 percent of their genetic makeup with other henipaviruses. Experts warn that these viruses could easily spread to humans through contaminated fruit or water. In addition to causing severe respiratory infections similar to COVID-19, they also have the potential to trigger brain inflammation, which could lead to long-term neurological damage. These newly discovered viruses were found in the kidneys of bats and have the potential to infect both humans and animals, posing a risk of serious illness. While researchers have not confirmed any outbreak, they are treating the findings with caution. Speaking to Bloomberg, Linfa Wang, a professor at the Duke-NUS Medical School's Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, said the findings add to the growing evidence of the wide variety of viruses harboured by bats—especially henipaviruses. While he acknowledged the need for close monitoring, Wang noted that there is no immediate cause for alarm based on current evidence. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Scientists find 20 unknown viruses related to deadly human diseases in Chinese bats
Scientists have discovered 20 previously unknown viruses in bats from China's Yunnan province, including two closely related to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses, raising fresh concerns about the risk of animal pathogens infecting people. The viruses related to Nipah and Hendra came from fruit bats caught near orchards close to villages, places where people and farm animals are more likely to come into contact with wildlife.(Pixabay/Representational) The viruses related to Nipah and Hendra came from fruit bats caught near orchards close to villages, places where people and farm animals are more likely to come into contact with wildlife. The findings, published Tuesday in the journal PLOS Pathogens, underscore how much remains unknown about the microbes carried by bats — animals that serve as natural hosts for some of the world's most dangerous pathogens. Scientists have long warned that climate change, farming expansion, and urbanization are bringing animals and people into closer contact, increasing the likelihood of new viruses emerging and sparking outbreaks, as seen with SARS, Ebola, and Covid-19. 'This study highlights that we know very little about the viruses that infect bats and those that exist in our world more generally,' said Tim Mahony, director of the Centre for Animal Science at Australia's University of Queensland, who wasn't part of the study. The research involved scientists from China and the University of Sydney, who examined the kidneys of 142 bats collected over four years in Yunnan. They identified 22 viruses in total, 20 of which hadn't been previously recorded. Among them were two henipaviruses closely related to Nipah and Hendra, which can cause fatal brain inflammation and respiratory illness in people, with mortality rates as high as 75%. The team also reported two new bacterial species and one previously unknown parasite. While most studies of bat viruses focus on feces, the researchers looked at kidney tissue, which plays a role in virus shedding through urine — a lesser-studied but potentially important route of transmission. The two new henipaviruses were found in fruit bats living near agricultural areas, where urine from bats may contaminate fruit that's eaten by people or livestock. The findings 'underscore critical zoonotic threats,' the study authors wrote, adding that the potential for such viruses to infect humans or farm animals needs urgent attention. Despite the potential implications, one of the study's corresponding authors declined to speak in detail, telling Bloomberg by email that 'the topic is quite sensitive' due to how politically charged it has become. Experts say the discovery is scientifically significant, though it's still too early to know how dangerous the new viruses might be. 'This discovery basically further confirms the diversity of bat viruses in general and henipaviruses in particular,' said Linfa Wang, professor at the Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases at Duke-NUS Medical School. 'My overall assessment is that we need to watch closely, but not be overly concerned at the present time.'
Straits Times
7 hours ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Viruses related to deadly human diseases found in Chinese bats
The discovery of 20 previously unknown viruses might be a cause for concern. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: PIXABAY Scientists have discovered 20 previously unknown viruses in bats from China's Yunnan province, including two closely related to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses, raising fresh concerns about the risk of animal pathogens infecting people. The viruses related to Nipah and Hendra came from fruit bats caught near orchards close to villages, places where people and farm animals are more likely to come into contact with wildlife. The findings, published on June 24 in the journal PLOS Pathogens, underscore how much remains unknown about the microbes carried by bats – animals that serve as natural hosts for some of the world's most dangerous pathogens. Scientists have long warned that climate change, farming expansion, and urbanisation are bringing animals and people into closer contact, increasing the likelihood of new viruses emerging and sparking outbreaks, as seen with Sars , Ebola, and Covid-19. 'This study highlights that we know very little about the viruses that infect bats and those that exist in our world more generally,' said Dr Tim Mahony, director of the Centre for Animal Science at Australia's University of Queensland, who was not part of the study. The research involved scientists from China and the University of Sydney, who examined the kidneys of 142 bats collected over four years in Yunnan. They identified 22 viruses in total, 20 of which had not been previously recorded. Among them were two henipaviruses closely related to Nipah and Hendra, which can cause fatal brain inflammation and respiratory illness in people, with mortality rates as high as 75 per cent . The team also reported two new bacterial species and one previously unknown parasite. While most studies of bat viruses focus on faeces , the researchers looked at kidney tissue, which plays a role in virus shedding through urine – a lesser-studied but potentially important route of transmission. The two new henipaviruses were found in fruit bats living near agricultural areas, where urine from bats may contaminate fruit that is eaten by people or livestock. The findings 'underscore critical zoonotic threats', the study authors wrote, adding that the potential for such viruses to infect humans or farm animals needs urgent attention. Despite the potential implications, one of the study's corresponding authors declined to speak in detail, telling Bloomberg by e-mail that 'the topic is quite sensitive' due to how politically charged it has become. Experts say the discovery is scientifically significant, though it is still too early to know how dangerous the new viruses might be. 'This discovery basically further confirms the diversity of bat viruses in general and henipaviruses in particular,' said Professor Linfa Wang at the Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases at Duke-NUS Medical School. 'My overall assessment is that we need to watch closely, but not be overly concerned at the present time.' BLOOMBERG Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Business Times
13 hours ago
- Health
- Business Times
Viruses related to deadly human diseases found in Chinese bats
[SINGAPORE] Scientists have discovered 20 previously unknown viruses in bats from China's Yunnan province, including two closely related to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses, raising fresh concerns about the risk of animal pathogens infecting people. The viruses related to Nipah and Hendra came from fruit bats caught near orchards close to villages, places where people and farm animals are more likely to come into contact with wildlife. The findings, published on Tuesday (Jun 24) in the journal Plos Pathogens, underscore how much remains unknown about the microbes carried by bats – animals that serve as natural hosts for some of the world's most dangerous pathogens. Scientists have long warned that climate change, farming expansion, and urbanisation are bringing animals and people into closer contact, increasing the likelihood of new viruses emerging and sparking outbreaks, as seen with Sars, Ebola, and Covid-19. 'This study highlights that we know very little about the viruses that infect bats and those that exist in our world more generally,' said Tim Mahony, director of the Centre for Animal Science at Australia's University of Queensland, who was not part of the study. The research involved scientists from China and the University of Sydney, who examined the kidneys of 142 bats collected over four years in Yunnan. They identified 22 viruses in total, 20 of which had not been previously recorded. Among them were two henipaviruses closely related to Nipah and Hendra, which can cause fatal brain inflammation and respiratory illness in people, with mortality rates as high as 75 per cent. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up The team also reported two new bacterial species and one previously unknown parasite. While most studies of bat viruses focus on feces, the researchers looked at kidney tissue, which plays a role in virus shedding through urine, a lesser-studied but potentially important route of transmission. The two new henipaviruses were found in fruit bats living near agricultural areas, where urine from bats may contaminate fruit that's eaten by people or livestock. The findings 'underscore critical zoonotic threats', the study authors wrote, adding that the potential for such viruses to infect humans or farm animals needs urgent attention. Despite the potential implications, one of the study's corresponding authors declined to speak in detail, telling Bloomberg by e-mail that 'the topic is quite sensitive' due to how politically charged it has become. Experts say the discovery is scientifically significant, though it's still too early to know how dangerous the new viruses might be. 'This discovery basically further confirms the diversity of bat viruses in general and henipaviruses in particular,' said Linfa Wang, professor at the Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases at Duke-NUS Medical School. 'My overall assessment is that we need to watch closely, but not be overly concerned at the present time.' BLOOMBERG
Deccan Herald
14 hours ago
- Health
- Deccan Herald
20 previously unknown viruses linked to human diseases found in Chinese bats
By Karoline KanScientists have discovered 20 previously unknown viruses in bats from China's Yunnan province, including two closely related to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses, raising fresh concerns about the risk of animal pathogens infecting people. The viruses related to Nipah and Hendra came from fruit bats caught near orchards close to villages, places where people and farm animals are more likely to come into contact with findings, published Tuesday in the journal PLOS Pathogens, underscore how much remains unknown about the microbes carried by bats — animals that serve as natural hosts for some of the world's most dangerous pathogens. Scientists have long warned that climate change, farming expansion, and urbanization are bringing animals and people into closer contact, increasing the likelihood of new viruses emerging and sparking outbreaks, as seen with SARS, Ebola, and ancestor of leukaemia virus found in bats.'This study highlights that we know very little about the viruses that infect bats and those that exist in our world more generally,' said Tim Mahony, director of the Centre for Animal Science at Australia's University of Queensland, who wasn't part of the research involved scientists from China and the University of Sydney, who examined the kidneys of 142 bats collected over four years in Yunnan. They identified 22 viruses in total, 20 of which hadn't been previously recorded. Among them were two henipaviruses closely related to Nipah and Hendra, which can cause fatal brain inflammation and respiratory illness in people, with mortality rates as high as 75%..The team also reported two new bacterial species and one previously unknown parasite. While most studies of bat viruses focus on feces, the researchers looked at kidney tissue, which plays a role in virus shedding through urine — a lesser-studied but potentially important route of two new henipaviruses were found in fruit bats living near agricultural areas, where urine from bats may contaminate fruit that's eaten by people or livestock. The findings 'underscore critical zoonotic threats,' the study authors wrote, adding that the potential for such viruses to infect humans or farm animals needs urgent attention. Despite the potential implications, one of the study's corresponding authors declined to speak in detail, telling Bloomberg by email that 'the topic is quite sensitive' due to how politically charged it has say the discovery is scientifically significant, though it's still too early to know how dangerous the new viruses might be.'This discovery basically further confirms the diversity of bat viruses in general and henipaviruses in particular,' said Linfa Wang, professor at the Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases at Duke-NUS Medical School. 'My overall assessment is that we need to watch closely, but not be overly concerned at the present time.'
