"No outbreak has been detected in Henipavirus"
Chest Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Tevfik Özlü spoke about the concerns raised by two new viruses belonging to the 'henipavirus' genus, which are alleged to pose a risk of transmission to humans. Prof. Dr. Özlü stated that there is no threat of an epidemic. Özlü said, “A study conducted on bats near Yunnan Province, China, has identified some viruses that can cause severe illness in humans. These viruses and bacteria were detected in urine samples taken from the bats' kidneys. In fact, there are many viruses and bacteria. Two of these viruses belong to two genera that have previously caused severe lung disease and encephalitis in humans. These are new and different viruses. When the words bat, virus, and China are combined, we all feel uneasy. This is a purely scientific study. No disease or epidemic has been identified. However, there is a potential risk that these viruses could cause illness in humans. Bats live in areas close to orchards in those regions. These viruses could be transmitted to fruit through bat urine. From there, there is concern that they could be transmitted to humans and cause illness. There is currently no threat.”
Prof. Dr. Özlü stated that increasing human interaction with wildlife poses a risk, saying, "As we approach wild animal habitats, our risk of encountering these different viruses and the likelihood of contracting and spreading zoonotic diseases—diseases transmitted from animals to humans—increases. People need to develop a mindset that leaves wild animals in their natural habitats untouched and undisturbed. We are a part of nature. We are not its rulers. We need to learn to share the world with other living creatures. If any product has come into contact with animal feces or urine, do not consume it or thoroughly clean it before consumption."
"VIRUSES FROM WILD ANIMALS CAN TRANSMIT TO HUMANS"Özlü stated that there are no virus scans conducted on wild animals in Türkiye, saying, "Certain viruses found in wild animals, pigs, bears, and other animals can be transmitted to humans. There's a possibility. I don't have any information on virus scans for wild animals in Türkiye. People who raise livestock, slaughter animals, work in slaughterhouses, or farm animals can encounter certain diseases transmitted from animals. For example, tuberculosis is the most common disease we encounter. We experienced bird flu in Türkiye. From time to time, there are outbreaks originating from poultry. We can't say that all animals carry these viruses. The study was conducted with a specific type of bat urine in a specific region. Therefore, it's impossible to generalize."
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