20 new deadly viruses found in Chinese bats near humans, scientists warn of possible outbreak

Scientists have discovered 20 new viruses in bats from China’s Yunnan province, including two that are closely related to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses.

These viruses were found in fruit bats living near farms and villages, areas where people and animals often come into contact with wildlife.

The findings were published this week in the journal PLOS Pathogens. Experts say this discovery highlights the growing risk of new viruses jumping from animals to humans, especially in areas where farming, deforestation, and urbanisation bring people closer to wildlife.

Scientists are raising red flags over the increasing risk of zoonotic threats, diseases that spread from animals to humans, as environmental changes push wild animals into closer contact with people.

This is the same pattern that has been seen with previous outbreaks like SARS, Ebola, and COVID-19.

The study was conducted by researchers from China and the University of Sydney.

They examined the kidneys of 142 bats collected over four years in Yunnan province.

Most bat virus studies focus on droppings, but this one looked at kidney tissue, which is involved in virus shedding through urine — another possible way viruses can spread.

In total, the team found 22 viruses, 20 of which were previously unknown. They also discovered two new types of bacteria and one unknown parasite.

Among the viruses were two new henipaviruses: a group that includes Nipah and Hendra, known to cause severe brain and respiratory infections in both humans and animals. These infections can be deadly, with some outbreaks reporting death rates as high as 75 per cent.