Dangerous Viruses in Chinese Bats Threaten a Deadlier Pandemic Than Coronavirus

A team of scientists at the Yunan Institute for Endemic Diseases has revealed the discovery of two new types of dangerous viruses in the kidneys of bats in China, which could lead to severe and deadly diseases, possibly transmitted to humans, raising concerns about the possibility of a new pandemic more dangerous than the coronavirus.

The report published by the British newspaper Daily Mail explained that the viruses are closely related to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses, with one causing acute brain inflammation and the other respiratory diseases.

The researchers emphasized that there are currently no vaccines or treatments available for these viruses, making the possibility of their transmission to local populations around the orchards and villages of Yunan Province in China a major concern.

Scientists used advanced genetic sequencing techniques to analyze 142 bats of 10 different species over four years, discovering 22 viruses, including 20 new viruses not previously recorded.

One of the new viruses belongs to the Henipavirus group, which can be transmitted through bat urine, putting contaminated fruit at risk and warning of the spread of infection to humans.

Researchers highlighted the importance of conducting accurate and comprehensive analyses of microorganisms in bats to assess the risks of infection transmission, especially since bats are natural reservoirs for multiple viruses that have been behind previous epidemics.