Carriers of deadly viruses

Fruit bats are fascinating and harmless animals but they can sometimes carry viruses that can cause severe disease without showing signs themselves.

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Some serious illnesses in humans have been linked to bats. One example is Ebola, a deadly virus that has caused deadly outbreaks in parts of Africa. People may get infected if they come into contact with fruit bats or other animals that have picked up the virus from bats.

Ebola is one of the deadliest infections known. It can cause severe symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and in many cases, internal and external bleeding. It spreads quickly through direct contact with body fluids of infected people or animals.

Scientists believe that the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, may originally have come from fruit bats, too. However, it likely passed through another animal first before reaching humans.

When caring for patients with highly contagious infections that can be transmitted via the air or body fluids, NHS workers have to wear special personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect themselves.

This can include an impermeable apron, double gloves, shoe covers, a fluid-resistant hood, a face shield or googles, and a respirator that filters out airborne particles.