Emerging viruses uncovered in China spark worries about future pandemics
Beijing. October 26: Chinese scientists have made a significant discovery on Hainan, a tropical island located off the southern coast of China. Their research has unveiled eight previously unknown viruses found in rodents, raising concerns due to the "high probability" that these viruses could potentially infect humans should they breach the species barrier.
This groundbreaking research was conducted by a team of scientists who are dedicated to preparing the world for future pandemics. They meticulously collected nearly 700 samples from rodents on Hainan, ultimately leading to the identification of these novel viruses. Among the newly discovered viruses, one particularly notable find belongs to the same virus family as SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.
_2930423481eb6403ceadaba078030f0f_1280X720.webp)
The findings from this research have been published in the journal Virologica Sinica, which is under the editorial oversight of Dr. Shi Zhengli, renowned for her work on bat coronaviruses and often referred to as the "Bat Woman" in the scientific community. As a result of this discovery, there is a growing call among scientists for further experiments and investigations to determine the potential impact of these viruses on human health.
It's essential to note that the journal Virologica Sinica is associated with the Chinese Society for Microbiology (CSM), a state-affiliated organisation with ties to the China Association of Science and Technology, which is subject to administrative oversight from the Chinese Government's Ministry of Civil Affairs.
The research involved an in-depth analysis of 682 anal and throat swabs obtained from various rodent species captured on Hainan between 2017 and 2021. These samples were meticulously categorised by specific rodent species and the location on the island where they were collected before being sent to laboratories for further examination.
The research outcomes underscore the presence of countless unidentified pathogens in the natural world, some of which might pose a potential threat to human health. The discovery of these eight new viruses serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in identifying and studying these novel pathogens to mitigate the risk they may pose to human populations in the future.
- With inputs from agencies
