China Discovers Two New Bat Viruses in Yunnan with Human Infection Potential.
Science and Technology
Chinese researchers have identified two novel henipaviruses—closely related to Nipah and Hendra—in fruit bats in Yunnan province. Study results, published in PLOS Pathogens, warn of possible spillover to humans or livestock via contaminated fruit or urine.
- In a study conducted from 2017 to 2021, virologists in southwest China analyzed kidney tissue from 142 bats across five locations in Yunnan. They identified 22 viruses, including 20 previously unknown strains. Of greatest concern are two newly discovered henipaviruses that bear genetic similarities to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses.
- The viruses were located in bat kidneys, indicating possible shedding in urine. Since fruit bats often inhabit orchards near villages, bat urine could contaminate fruits or water sources—creating a realistic route for virus spillover into humans or domestic animals.
- Henipaviruses are notorious for causing encephalitis and respiratory failure in humans, with high fatality rates (up to 75%). Although no human cases have been reported yet, the close genetic relation to Nipah/Hendra viruses raises significant alarm for public health experts.
Main Point :- (i) Researchers emphasize the urgency of comprehensive surveillance—especially within bat habitats and fruit-growing regions. They recommend expanding sampling beyond bat droppings to include organs like kidneys, where hidden pathogens may reside.
(ii) This study builds on earlier concerns related to coronaviruses like HKU5-CoV-2 in bats, which can bind to human ACE2 receptors and lie “a small mutation away” from infecting people. While coronaviruses spark headlines, henipaviruses pose a similarly severe but less visible threat.
(iii) Following the COVID-19 crisis, experts are warning that viral surveillance is critical. The discovery of these two bat-derived henipaviruses reinforces the need for proactive zoonotic disease monitoring, stricter biosafety standards, and strengthened ‘One Health’ strategies linking human, animal, and environmental health.
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Capital: Beijing
President: Xi Jinping
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