Current Affairs - International - Discussion

Scientists in China have discovered two new henipaviruses in bats located in Yunnan province, raising significant public health concerns. These viruses are genetically similar to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses, both of which are known to cause fatal encephalitis and respiratory illnesses in humans. Found in bat kidneys, the viruses pose a risk of transmission through contaminated fruits or water, particularly in areas where human settlements are close to bat habitats. This discovery, made through genetic sequencing of samples collected over four years, highlights the ongoing risk of zoonotic spillovers and reinforces the need for global vigilance in monitoring emerging infectious diseases.