Fruit bats harbour more deadly viruses
Researchers have found that henipaviruses, which spread to other animals and humans, and a disease that is similar to rabies are widespread in a species of fruit bat found in Africa.
The team says this poses a potential risk to human health, because the bats roost close to cities and are also hunted for food.
The study is published in Nature Communications.
Professor James Wood, an epidemiologist from the University of Cambridge, said: "I think that it's no immediate cause for panic - these viruses have probably been there for a very long time in bats.
"But I think that it does raise questions relating public health surveillance and care that should be taken to avoid possible contact that might result in transmission."
Disease reservoir
Bats are a well-known mixing pot for viruses, some of which can spread to other animals and humans.
The origins of diseases such as Sars and Ebola can be traced back to these flying mammals, and they have also been implicated in the spread of the new deadly Mers virus.
In Africa, the straw-coloured fruit bat (Eidolon helvum), the continent's most widely distributed bat, is known to host different infectious diseases. But until now the extent has not been known.
The team says this poses a potential risk to human health, because the bats roost close to cities and are also hunted for food.
The study is published in Nature Communications.
Professor James Wood, an epidemiologist from the University of Cambridge, said: "I think that it's no immediate cause for panic - these viruses have probably been there for a very long time in bats.
"But I think that it does raise questions relating public health surveillance and care that should be taken to avoid possible contact that might result in transmission."
Disease reservoir
Bats are a well-known mixing pot for viruses, some of which can spread to other animals and humans.
The origins of diseases such as Sars and Ebola can be traced back to these flying mammals, and they have also been implicated in the spread of the new deadly Mers virus.
In Africa, the straw-coloured fruit bat (Eidolon helvum), the continent's most widely distributed bat, is known to host different infectious diseases. But until now the extent has not been known.
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