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Researchers have discovered two new viruses in bats from southwestern China that could pose a serious threat to human health. The viruses, which are closely related to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses, were found in fruit bats living near orchards in Yunnan province. These newly identified viruses have the potential to cause severe brain inflammation and breathing problems in humans, raising “urgent concerns” among scientists.
The findings were published in the journal PLOS Pathogens and are the result of a four-year study conducted by researchers from the Yunnan Institute of Endemic Disease Control and Prevention and other institutions.
Related to Dangerous Viruses
The new viruses belong to the same family as the Nipah and Hendra viruses, both of which have caused fatal outbreaks in the past. Nipah virus, for instance, can cause acute respiratory issues and brain inflammation in humans, with a death rate of between 35% and 75%. The Hendra virus has also led to deadly infections in both humans and animals, particularly horses.
“These viruses are hosted by fruit bats and can be transmitted to humans through urine or saliva, often by contaminating fruits or other food sources,” the researchers explained.
Why Yunnan Province Matters
Yunnan province is known to be a hotspot for bat diversity. The region’s rich ecosystem and the close interaction between humans, livestock, and wildlife increase the risk of viruses jumping from animals to people.
The researchers collected 142 bats from 10 different species across five areas in Yunnan. Unlike many past studies that only examined bat feces, this study also looked into the internal organs—specifically the kidneys—of the bats. This more thorough approach revealed a surprising level of microbial diversity.
Genome testing of the bat kidney samples uncovered 22 viruses, 20 of which were completely new to science. Two of these were identified as henipaviruses—part of the same virus group as Nipah and Hendra.
Why This Discovery Matters
Scientists are particularly worried because these viruses could spread to humans or animals through contaminated fruits in local orchards. The study emphasized that bats’ unique immune systems allow them to carry many viruses without getting sick, making them natural reservoirs for harmful microbes.
The researchers said that earlier studies may have missed important viruses by only testing bat droppings. By analyzing bat kidneys, they were able to find full-length genomes of two novel henipaviruses, offering a clearer picture of how dangerous these viruses might be.
“This is the first time we’ve identified full-length genomes of such viruses in China,” the researchers said. “These findings highlight the importance of looking beyond just bat feces to understand the full range of microbes they carry.”
What Needs to Happen Next
The researchers are calling for more detailed and widespread testing of bats, including analysis of different organs, to better understand the risks these animals pose in terms of virus transmission. They believe this is crucial to help predict and prevent future outbreaks, especially in regions where people live close to wildlife.
With past outbreaks like COVID-19 reminding the world of how quickly a virus can spread from animals to humans, these new findings stress the need for early detection and stronger surveillance of wildlife diseases.
In summary, the discovery of these two new bat viruses in China is a wake-up call. Scientists are urging governments and health organizations to take preventive steps now before these viruses have a chance to jump to humans or livestock, potentially triggering a new public health crisis.