New Bat Coronavirus in China Can Infect Humans, Scientists Say

Shi and her team announced in a study published in Cell journal that they have identified a new virus associated with HKU5 coronavirus. According to the research, this new virus named 'HKU5-CoV-2' can attach to human cells by using the same ACE2 receptor as SARS-CoV-2. Scientists pointed out that the risk of this virus being transmitted from animals to humans directly or through intermediate hosts is 'high.' The research conducted by Wuhan Institute of Virology, Guangzhou Laboratory, and Guangzhou Academy of Sciences revealed that this new virus found in bats carries a zoonotic risk. While debates continue on the origin of COVID-19, Shi and some scientists argue that the virus spread naturally. However, no concrete evidence has been found for this theory so far. On the other hand, it is stated that the potential of the newly discovered HKU5-CoV-2 virus to adapt to humans is higher than previous variants.