Scientists have discovered 20 previously unknown viruses — including two closely related to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses — in bats from southwestern China, raising fresh concerns about the potential for future disease outbreaks.

The new viruses, classified as “henipaviruses,” were detected in the kidneys of fruit bats living in orchards near human settlements in Yunnan province. Both Nipah and Hendra viruses, which originate in bats, are known to cause severe brain inflammation and respiratory illnesses in humans, with fatality rates reaching up to 75%.

Researchers say the discovery highlights the risk of viral spillover to humans or animals through contact with contaminated fruit — particularly if it’s been tainted with bat urine.

While the findings sound alarming, experts urge caution. More research is needed before drawing conclusions about the threat these viruses may pose.

Dr. Alison Peel, a wildlife disease ecologist at the University of Sydney, who was not involved in the study, noted that although one of the new viruses appears genetically close to Nipah and Hendra, there are still key differences.

“There are variations in the parts of the virus that allow it to bind to and enter host cells,” she explained. “So we can’t assume it can infect humans or other species.”

Peel added that there are other viruses similar to Nipah and Hendra that pose no known threat to humans. To assess the actual risk, more lab-based research will be essential.

“For instance, while Nipah virus can spread via intermediate hosts like pigs, it’s also known to jump directly from bats to humans through contact with contaminated saliva,” she said. “Whether these new viruses behave in the same way is simply unknown right now.”

The study involved analyzing samples from 142 bats across 10 species in five different regions of Yunnan. Researchers used advanced genetic sequencing methods — specifically, metatranscriptomics — to identify the full range of viruses, bacteria, and parasites present in the bats’ kidneys.

In total, the team uncovered 22 viruses (20 of which are new), a previously unknown bacterial species, and a novel protozoan parasite. The henipaviruses were found specifically in Rousettus leschenaultii, a type of fruit bat.

“The fact that these bats were caught in fruit orchards is important,” said Peel. “It shows there’s a real opportunity for these viruses to come into contact with people or domestic animals.”

She pointed to similar patterns observed in Australia, where habitat destruction and food scarcity for bats have been linked to increased Hendra virus spillovers into horses and, in rare cases, humans.

“The takeaway shouldn’t be that bats are the problem,” she emphasized. “In fact, restoring their natural habitats and food sources can be a sustainable, long-term solution. This protects both public health and ecological balance.”

Bats play vital roles in ecosystems, helping with pollination and seed dispersal. Yet, they are also natural reservoirs for many viruses, including those responsible for diseases like Ebola, Marburg, SARS, MERS, and COVID-19.

Public health experts advise avoiding direct contact with bats or other wildlife — especially if they appear injured or ill — and to always contact local authorities when such animals are found.

The newly discovered viruses are not cause for panic, but they are a timely reminder of the complex links between wildlife, environment, and human health — and the importance of proactive research and ecological conservation.