- Researchers in China have identified 22 new viruses in bats, two linked to deadly henipaviruses.
- The findings raise global health concerns due to potential human transmission and high fatality rates.
- The viruses may cause severe encephalitis and respiratory disease, prompting calls for urgent surveillance.
A new scientific study conducted in Yunnan Province, China, has revealed the presence of 22 previously unknown viruses found in the kidney tissues of 142 bats.
Aside from the viruses, the research team also identified novel bacterial species and a previously unknown parasite, highlighting the rich microbial biodiversity present in bat populations.
Emerging Threat: New Bat Viruses in China Resemble Deadly Nipah and Hendra Strains
The study was published in the peer-reviewed journal PLoS Pathogens and conducted by researchers from the Yunnan Institute of Endemic Disease Control and Prevention. Samples were collected over four years, between 2017 and 2021, and analyzed using advanced genetic sequencing techniques. The aim was to better understand the microbial threats carried by bat species in southern China, an area known for its biodiversity and proximity to agricultural communities.
The concern surrounding henipaviruses stems from their historical impact. Nipah virus has been responsible for several outbreaks in South and Southeast Asia, with fatality rates ranging from 35% to 75%. Likewise, Hendra virus has caused deadly infections in humans and horses, primarily in Australia. Their shared ability to cause encephalitis, severe lung infections, and death makes their newly discovered relatives a major red flag for epidemiologists.
Adding to the urgency is the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, which also originated from a zoonotic spillover, likely involving bats. Although no direct link has been established between these new viruses and any current outbreak, the study emphasizes the importance of monitoring wildlife reservoirs and improving biosecurity measures in regions where animal-human interactions are high.
Experts are urging global health agencies like the WHO to expand bat virus monitoring and consider investment in universal henipavirus vaccines. With climate change, urban expansion, and deforestation altering bat habitats, the likelihood of cross-species transmission is increasing. The researchers recommend stronger biosurveillance, not only in China but also in bat-rich regions across Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
As the world recovers from one pandemic, the emergence of new bat viruses in China reminds us that vigilance, research, and international cooperation are our first lines of defense against the next.
“The next pandemic is not a matter of if, but when.” — Dr. Peter Daszak, EcoHealth Alliance
