Has Found A New …
China Discovers New Coronavirus with Potential to Infect Humans
Scientists from the Wuhan Institute of Virology have identified a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, which bears striking similarities to the deadly MERS virus. The discovery, published in Cell, raises concerns about potential human transmission.
Like MERS, HKU5-CoV-2 is a respiratory virus that can spread between animals and humans, potentially causing severe illness. Researchers warn of a high risk of spillover due to its ability to enter human cells similarly to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.
Merbecoviruses, the family to which HKU5-CoV-2 belongs, have been found in minks and pangolins—species linked to cross-species coronavirus transmission. While the full extent of its threat remains unknown, scientists emphasize its greater potential for interspecies infection than previous HKU5-CoV strains.
The discovery reignites debate over zoonotic origins versus lab-leak theories, though U.S. intelligence maintains a low-confidence stance on COVID-19’s origins. Further investigation is needed to assess the true risk to humans.
