format(webp))
New Coronavirus Strain Found in China Sparks Pandemic Concerns
A new coronavirus strain, HKU5-CoV-2, has been discovered in bats by researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Similar to SARS-CoV-2 and MERS, the virus raises concerns about potential human transmission. Scientists warn of a possible zoonotic spillover, though further research is needed to assess its risk.
A new coronavirus strain, feared to have the potential to spread among humans, has been identified in China. Researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology detected the virus, named HKU5-CoV-2, in bats, raising concerns of another pandemic threat.
This newly discovered virus shares similarities with both SARS-CoV-2, which caused the COVID-19 pandemic, and MERS, a deadlier coronavirus with a high fatality rate. Tests revealed that HKU5-CoV-2 can infiltrate human cells in a similar manner to COVID-19, prompting warnings about its possible transmission to humans, either directly or through intermediate hosts.
Scientists noted that merbecoviruses, the family to which HKU5-CoV-2 belongs, have been found in animals like minks and pangolins—potential intermediaries for past coronavirus outbreaks. Their findings highlight the ongoing risk of zoonotic spillover, where viruses jump from animals to humans.
While HKU5-CoV-2 has been known in bats since 2006, recent data suggests this strain has a greater ability to infect different species. However, researchers stated that further investigation is needed to determine its actual risk of human transmission.
The discovery comes from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, a facility central to the lab leak theory regarding COVID-19's origins. The study reaffirms that bats are significant reservoirs for coronaviruses, though the exact origins of past outbreaks, including COVID-19, remain debated.
What's Your Reaction?
