Two new viruses found in China! They are transmitted through fruits
Professor Dr. Tevfik Özlü made statements regarding two new viruses belonging to the Henipavirus genus, identified in bat urine in a study conducted in China. Regarding these findings, which have caused public concern, Özlü said, “There is no threat at this time. This is a purely scientific study.”
Research conducted on bats near Yunnan Province, China, has identified new strains of viruses that can cause severe illness in humans. These viruses, identified primarily in urine samples taken from the bats' kidneys, are from the Henipavirus genus and are similar to strains previously associated with lung infections and encephalitis in humans.
'WHEN THE WORDS BAT, CHINA AND VIRUS COME TOGETHER...'Professor Dr. Özlü stated, "When the words bat, virus, and China are combined, we all feel uneasy. However, this is not an epidemic; it's merely a scientific finding." Özlü emphasized that there is no situation yet that would cause a disease or epidemic, and that the potential for viruses to infect humans is a theoretical risk.
The proximity of bat-inhabited areas to orchards raises the possibility of potential transmission. The possibility of transmission to humans via fruit contaminated with bat urine is considered a potential threat from these viruses. However, Özlü reiterated that there is no need for panic, saying, "There is no such threat at this time."
Özlü also addressed the potential spread of zoonotic diseases, stating that the risk of diseases spreading from animals to humans increases as people come into contact with wildlife. Özlü said, “We are not the masters of nature; we are a part of it. We must learn to live in harmony with nature.”
Özlü stated that products that have come into contact with animal feces or urine should not be consumed or should be thoroughly cleaned before consumption, adding that such warnings are especially important for those living in rural areas and engaged in animal husbandry.
Özlü, noting that there is no information on virus screening conducted on wild animals in Türkiye, said, "We can see some animal-borne diseases in livestock farmers and slaughterhouse workers. For example, tuberculosis is a common disease." He also noted that poultry-borne epidemics, such as the bird flu seen in Türkiye in the past, can occasionally occur.
However, Özlü emphasized that this situation cannot be generalized, saying, "It is not right to make generalizations from a study conducted in a specific region with a specific bat urine."
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