Chinese scientists have recently discovered eight previously unidentified viruses in rodents on Hainan, a tropical island located off the southern coast of China. This discovery has raised concerns, as experts believe these viruses have a “high probability” of infecting humans should they cross the species barrier.
The research, carried out by scientists focused on pandemic preparedness, involved collecting nearly 700 samples from rodents on Hainan. From these samples, they identified eight novel viruses. Notably, one of these viruses belongs to the same family as SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.
The findings were published in the journal Virologica Sinica, which is edited by Dr. Shi Zhengli, a scientist renowned for her work on bat coronaviruses and often referred to as “Bat Woman.” Given the potential threat these viruses could pose, scientists have called for further experiments to determine their effects on human health.
Virologica Sinica is the publication of the Chinese Society for Microbiology (CSM), which is linked to the state-affiliated China Association of Science and Technology, under the administrative supervision of the Chinese Government’s Ministry of Civil Affairs.
The study examined 682 anal and throat swabs from various rodents captured on Hainan between 2017 and 2021. These samples were categorized by rodent species and location on the island, and were then analyzed in laboratories.
This discovery highlights the presence of numerous unidentified pathogens, some of which may carry the potential risk of infecting humans, emphasizing the importance of vigilant monitoring and research to prevent future pandemics.
As the world grapples with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this research underscores the significance of understanding and mitigating the risks posed by zoonotic diseases and novel viruses.
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