Beijing: A startling new discovery from China has raised global health concerns, as scientists have identified 22 previously unknown viruses in bats some of which exhibit a mortality rate as high as 75 percent in animal models. The findings have reignited fears of future pandemics, with experts warning that some of these pathogens may pose a greater threat than COVID-19.
The study, conducted between 2017 and 2021 in Yunnan Province, involved laboratory analysis of kidney tissues from 142 bats collected from orchards and forested regions. Researchers found genetic traces of viruses that are closely related to Nipah and Hendra, two deadly viruses already known for their high fatality rates and potential to cause serious respiratory and neurological disorders in humans. Nipah, in particular, is recognized by the World Health Organization as a priority disease due to its epidemic potential.
The new viruses, while not yet proven to infect humans, have demonstrated lethal effects in lab-tested animal models, such as suckling mice. The death rate in some cases reached 75%, far exceeding the average global mortality rate for COVID-19, which stands around 2–3%. These results have raised immediate concerns among virologists, epidemiologists, and global health officials.
What makes the discovery even more worrying is the environment in which these bats were found areas close to human activity, particularly fruit orchards. Researchers caution that bat urine or saliva could contaminate fruits like bananas or mangoes, which are then unknowingly consumed by humans. Such a transmission route was previously documented in past Nipah virus outbreaks in South Asia.
While there are no confirmed human infections from these newly detected viruses yet, the researchers warn that the conditions for a spillover are alarmingly present. Human encroachment into wildlife habitats caused by deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban development is forcing closer interaction between species, significantly increasing the risk of zoonotic diseases jumping from animals to humans.
“This study is a wake-up call,” one of the scientists involved stated. “The high diversity and pathogenic potential of bat viruses underscore the urgent need for robust virus surveillance and public health preparedness.” Scientists recommend strengthening international cooperation in disease tracking, improving food hygiene standards, and investing in wildlife monitoring as key steps to mitigate future outbreaks.
The findings come at a time when the world is still grappling with the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic. With much of the global population still vulnerable to new infectious threats, experts stress the importance of proactive measures rather than reactive responses. The presence of highly virulent, undetected pathogens in wildlife only reinforces the urgency for global biosecurity frameworks and early-warning systems.
In conclusion, while these newly discovered viruses have not yet made the leap to humans, their high mortality rate, similarity to past deadly viruses, and potential for spillover in densely populated regions make them a matter of serious concern. The international health community is now on high alert, watching closely to prevent the emergence of another global health crisis.