Archive · 25 Jun 2025
Scientists Find New Viruses in Bats; Two Pose High Risk
Researchers in China found 20 new viruses in bats, including two related to Nipah and Hendra viruses, which are dangerous.
These viruses can cause severe illness and have high fatality rates.
They were found in bats' kidneys and could potentially spread through fruit or direct contact.
Experts are concerned and highlighting the need for further study and monitoring of the viruses due to their potential risks.
Scientists discovered 20 new viruses in bats in China.
Two viruses are closely related to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses.
These viruses can cause brain swelling, respiratory, and neurological diseases.
The study examined bats' kidneys as a potential transmission route.
Bats lived in orchards near villages, raising contamination concerns.
- Who
- Scientists from the Yunnan Institute of Endemic Disease Control and Prevention.
- What
- Scientists identified 20 new viruses in bats, including two henipaviruses related to Nipah and Hendra viruses.
- When
- The study was recently published.
- Where
- Yunnan province, China.
- Why
- To assess potential zoonotic risks and understand viral diversity.
Expert Perspectives
Main Researchers & Others
Level of Concern
Expert Perspectives
Urgent concern over zoonotic threats.
Main Researchers & Others
Need for further study and monitoring.
- Viruses Discovered
- 20 new viruses
- Location
- Yunnan Province, China
- Virus Types
- Two henipaviruses
- Potential Transmission
- Contact with bats or through contaminated food or water
- Study Focus
- Bat kidneys
Sources
New Henipaviruses in China Bats Spark Spillover Alarm
Another virus scare from China: Scientists find new health threats in Chinese bats
20 new deadly viruses found in Chinese bats near humans — Scientists warn of possible outbreak
Another Pandemic? Deadly New Bat Viruses Found In China, Scientists Warn Of 75% Kill Rate
20 new viruses found in Chinese bats, including strains linked to deadly diseases
