Archive · 26 Jun 2025
New Bat Viruses Discovered in China, Linked to Deadly Diseases
Scientists have found 20 new viruses in bats in China.
Two of these viruses are similar to Nipah and Hendra viruses, which can cause serious illnesses in people.
The viruses were found in bat kidneys in fruit orchards.
Scientists are concerned because bats can spread viruses through contaminated fruit or water.
They will be watching these new viruses closely to see if they could make people sick.
It is important to understand these viruses to protect public health.
Scientists discovered 20 new bat viruses in China.
Two viruses are genetically linked to Nipah and Hendra viruses.
The study was conducted in fruit orchards in Yunnan province, China.
Researchers analyzed 142 bats from ten species.
Experts warn of potential public health implications.
- Who
- Scientists led by Guopeng Kuang and Tian Yang.
- What
- Scientists discovered 20 new bat viruses, including two similar to Nipah and Hendra viruses.
- When
- The discovery was recently made.
- Where
- Yunnan province, southwest China, in fruit orchards.
- Why
- To understand and assess the risk of spillover from bats to humans.
Potential Threat
Cautious Approach
Risk Assessment
Potential Threat
Risk of spillover from bats to humans is high.
Cautious Approach
More studies are needed to determine the actual risk.
- Location
- Yunnan province, China
- Number of new viruses
- 20
- Bat species studied
- 10
- Similar viruses
- Nipah and Hendra
- Study published in
- PLOS Pathogens journal