From animal to human - to an epidemic

Flying foxes are closely related to bats. A large percentage of the animals indigenous to Africa carry dangerous pathogens, among them the ebola virus. The animals are resistant to it, but it's deadly to humans. Since flying foxes are hunted for their meat in many African countries, the pathogens can easily be transmitted to humans.

In the medical journal "PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases," researchers reported that some flying foxes in western Africa likely carried the virus for some time and just didn't come in contact with humans. It's also possible that an infected animal flew to the region from central Africa.

Animals who are temporary hosts to the virus are dangerous as well. When infected flying foxes eat fruit, and other animals such as antelopes and rodents in turn eat their excrement, they can become infected as well and pass the virus on to humans.

Wild animals are often hunted and eaten in Africa. This so-called "bushmeat" is prepared at traditional markets and offered for sale. But researchers warn forest animals could carry pathogens we don't even know about yet - and humans are eating more of them as they push into their habitats.

The preparation of the meat is especially risky. Humans can easily become infected with ebola when they come in contact with the animals' blood and mucous membranes. Even in Europe, where only a few dangerous viruses have been discovered in bats, it's safer not to touch the animals with bare hands.