Scientists in China discover two deadly new viruses

Researchers in China have identified two new viruses in bats that are genetically related to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses, both of which can cause severe brain inflammation and respiratory illness in humans.

According to a study published in the journal PLOS Pathogens, scientists at the Institute for Endemic Disease Control in Yunnan province conducted a four-year analysis of kidney samples from 142 bats across five regions. They discovered 22 viruses, 20 of which were previously unknown.

Two of the newly found viruses belong to the Henipavirus genus, which includes the highly lethal Nipah and Hendra viruses. The viruses were found in fruit bats living near orchards and human settlements, raising concerns about possible transmission through contaminated fruit.

N.Tebrizli