Bat-borne virus facts for kids
A bat-borne virus is a virus that is transmitted through bats. Bats are vectors for these viruses, they transmit them either through their saliva, or through their feces. Known examples of bat-borne viruses are the coronaviruses (such as those causing SARS and MERS), the Ebola virus, and some forms of rabies. Many bats live in groups, which remain close to each other for a long time. It is believed that this habit helps the spread of infections. Because of their ability to fly, bats also spread the viruses in a larger area than rodents do.
Images for kids
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A biologist holding a bat at an emerging infectious diseases training event in Panama
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Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus electron micrograph
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The flavivirus West Nile virus
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The Egyptian fruit bat, a known natural reservoir of Marburg virus and Ravn virus, which cause Marburg virus disease
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A common vampire bat (C) and wounds from its bites on a human scalp (A and B) and a cow leg (D)
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An injury from the bite of a big brown bat
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The circulation of influenza A viruses. Influenza A viruses in bats possibly originated in birds.
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Date palm sap collection, a primary exposure route for Nipah virus
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Hepadnaviruses have been identified in the tent-making bat, which is native to Central and South America
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See also
In Spanish: Virus portados por murciélagos para niños
