‘Critical implications’ for public health after 20 new bat viruses found in China

Medical experts have warned that the discovery of the viruses could have “critical implications” for public health across the globe.

Scientists have detected 20 new viruses within bats in China – a discovery medical experts warn could have “critical implications” for public health worldwide.

The study, published by the PLOS Pathogens journal, was conducted by researchers who looked inside the kidneys of 142 bats from 10 species, collected over four years across the Yunnan province, in China’s southwest.

A total of 22 viruses were detected – 20 of which had never been recorded before.

Of greatest concern, however, was the other two henipaviruses found in fruit bats living near fruit orchards close to local villages – one of which is now the closest-known relative of the deadly Hendra and Nipah viruses.

The pathogens, which can be spread through urine, have mortality rates between 40 and 80 per cent and can cause severe brain inflammation and respiratory disease in humans, as well as posing a significant threat to livestock.

Both viruses can be spread through urine – sparking fears about potential fruit contamination, which could then be transmitted to animals or people if they consumed the food.

“These findings broaden our understanding of the bat kidney infectome, underscore critical zoonotic threats, and highlight the need for comprehensive, full-spectrum microbial analyses of previously understudied organs to better assess spillover risks from bat populations,” the study’s authors wrote.

Scientists have detected 20 new viruses within bats in China. Picture: Dean Martin

The discovery “hold(s) special relevance” to Australia because of its history of Hendra outbreaks linked to bat populations, virologist at Monash University’s Malaysian campus, Associate Professor Vinod Balasubramaniam, told The Sydney Morning Herald.

Since 1994, when the virus first emerged from fruit bats and swept through racing stables in the Brisbane suburb of Hendra – killing a trainer and 13 horses – there have been 66 known outbreaks across Australia. Four people and dozens of horses have died as a result.

“The similarity between Australian rural environments and Yunnan’s orchards near human settlements stresses the urgency of intensified surveillance and biosecurity measures,” Associate Professor Balasubramaniam said.

University of Sydney wildlife disease ecologist Dr Alison Peel said this particular finding highlighted the “potential opportunities for contact” with humans.

Research published in 2023 by Dr Peel on Hendra virus spill over in Australia “has demonstrated clear links between habitat destruction, loss of natural food, and increased spill over risk – so this may also be the case in China”, she told The Courier-Mail.

Illustration of Nipah viruses binding to receptors on human cells, an initial stage of Nipah infection.

Since 1994, there have been 66 known Hendra virus outbreaks across Australia, killing four people and dozens of horses. Picture: CSIRO

The findings carry “critical implications” for public health in Australia and globally, virologist Dr Yong Gao (Nias) Peng warned.

“While the findings are based on bat kidney samples and do not confirm imminent outbreaks, they reveal how much we still don’t know about the microbes bats carry,” Dr Peng said.

“Given Australia’s history with Hendra virus outbreaks since its emergence in 1994 to cause multiple fatal infections in horses and humans, this underscores the importance of continued vigilance in rural and peri-urban areas close to bat habitats.”

Aussies urged to get Covid booster shot

It comes amid increased pleas for Australians to get their Covid booster shot, with a new contagious variant – already spreading overseas – is expected to drive a winter wave across the country.

National data showed earlier this month that just over six per cent of Aussies had received a booster shot since the beginning of the year, with 1.3 million Covid vaccine doses administered to people aged 18 and over.

A new contagious Covid variant is expected to drive a winter wave across Australia. Picture: Bay Ismoyo/AFP

“To know that those rates are down is a worry because we still see people in hospital,” Deakin University Professor and Epidemiology Chair Catherine Bennett told news.com.au.

“While we now thankfully see fewer deaths due to Covid … in 2024, they’re still five times higher than influenza. So Covid is still something to worry about.”

As we head further into winter, the NB. 1.8.1 variant – a descendant of the Omicron JN. 1 – is expected to become the dominant variant across Australia.

“It’s quite infectious. So it’s one that’s particularly capable of latching on to our respiratory linings,” Professor Bennett said.

“We’re seeing it right across the globe and it has that advantage that it’s easier to spread and we’re not as immune to it.

“So it will be one that drives our winter wave here.”

– with Brielle Burns