Viruses Related to Deadly Human Diseases Found in Chinese Bats

Scientists have discovered 20 previously unknown viruses in bats from China’s Yunnan province, including two closely related to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses, raising fresh concerns about the risk of animal pathogens infecting people.

The viruses related to Nipah and Hendra came from fruit bats caught near orchards close to villages, places where people and farm animals are more likely to come into contact with wildlife.