Coronavirus Spread Due to Bat Soup? – Some Other Weird Foods Served in China

Warning: Some of the following images contain graphic content. Viewer discretion is advised.

Videos and images online of people consuming Bat Soup have sent the Internet into a frenzy.

With the number of Wuhan coronavirus cases exceeding 6,000 cases (as of 29 Jan 2020), the capital of Hubei province and several other cities are currently in a lockdown state – with trains, planes and public transport suspended.

Bat Soup Images and Videos Emerges on Social Media

Recent photos and videos of bat soup have been circulating on social media and this allegedly, could have been the cause for the coronavirus, reports Dailystar.

The bats in the photos look as though they are alive, with their fur and teeth still intact.

However, eating Bat is not an unfamiliar act, with Indonesia and Papua New Guinea partaking of this exotic dish as well.

Other Exotic Food

Another photo circulating on social media is a menu from the local market in Wuhan, with different prices for items such as centipedes, snakes and scorpions. According to the photo, the list of items sold is not just restricted to creepy crawlies, with animals such as live peacocks and live koalas being put up for sale.

Here are some other uncommon animal meats that are said to be available for purchase in Chinese markets:

1. Porcupine
2. Otter
3. Salamander
4. Masked palm civet
5. Badger

Snakes Could Be Possible Source for Wuhan Virus

While bats could be possible carriers for the coronavirus, snakes are also reportedly a possible source for the Wuhan virus. Snakes can also be found in some of China’s wet markets as well, with the snake soup being considered a delicacy in China.

Year of the Rat: Dish Named “Three Squeaks” in China

A man is seen eating tiny live mice, served on a plate with slices of tomato. The mice, which look like new-borns can still be seen fidgeting on the plate.

The infamous dish is named Three Squeaks or 三吱儿 in Mandarin.

The first squeak is produced when the mouse is picked up, the second squeak is produced when the mouse is dipped in sauce and the final squeak is let out by the mouse when placed in the mouth before being consumed.

The man is also seen nodding his head in approval after eating the live mouse.

Braised Rhizomys (Chinese Bamboo Rat)

According to Hket, another possible source of the Wuhan virus may have originated from the Rhizomys, also known as the Chinese Bamboo Rat. The animal is currently a popular dish in China and the dish is allegedly full of various nutrients.

There is even a tutorial on Youtube for a Braised Rhizomys dish by Chef Wang with over 5 million views.

Other videos from the channel include” ‘How to Butcher a Softshell Turtle‘ and ‘Cold Served Rabbit in Zigong Style: with Unique Spicy Flavour and Aftertaste‘. Viewer discretion is advised.

Wuhan Virus Advisory

MOH has advised for Singaporeans to avoid unnecessary travel to Wuhan in view of the developing novel coronavirus situation in Wuhan and other parts of China.

MOH also reminds the public to continue to exercise caution and attention to personal hygiene when travelling to the rest of China.

All travellers should monitor their health closely for two weeks upon return to Singapore and seek medical attention promptly if they feel unwell, and also inform their doctor of their travel history. If they have a fever or respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, runny nose), they should wear a mask and call the clinic ahead of the visit.

Stay safe this CNY season everyone!

Disclaimer: MiddleClass does not regard the consumption of animals such as bats and snakes as the cause of the coronavirus (2019-nCov). We are not liable for any confusion arising from this article as we serve to only highlight the different exotic foods which could be possibly found in China.

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Cover photo credits: Chinapress, Twitter User: @hk_nick