New deadly bat virus that can infect humans discovered in Thai cave

A newly discovered bat virus capable of infecting humans has raised concerns about potential zoonotic transmission in Thailand. The EcoHealth Alliance, known for previous research linked to experiments in Wuhan, reported this finding during a World Health Organization (WHO) meeting.

Dr. Peter Daszak, the head of EcoHealth Alliance, revealed the existence of the virus found in a Thai cave used by local farmers for bat feces fertilization. The virus is considered a potential zoonotic pathogen, as it is common in bats in an area where people are frequently exposed to bat feces. Despite controversies surrounding the virus’s origins, this discovery highlights the importance of monitoring potential sources of zoonotic diseases. This comes amid a global surge in COVID-19 cases, primarily due to the JN.1 variant【13†source】.