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Health Desk 06 June 2025
A new bat coronavirus variant in China, related to MERS, could mutate to infect humans. Scientists closely monitor its potential pandemic threat.
American researchers have identified a new coronavirus variant, designated as HKU5-CoV-2, which was discovered in bats in China and could potentially trigger another pandemic. Scientists warn that a small mutation in the viruss spike protein might enable it to infect humans by binding to ACE2 receptors found in the throat and nasal passages.
The virus is closely related to MERS, a deadly virus with a fatality rate of up to one-third of infected individuals. Research led by Professor Michael Letko at Washington State University indicates that while HKU5 currently spreads primarily among bats, mutations or transmission through an intermediate host, such as minks, could increase human infection risks.
With ongoing studies, experts urge caution but confirm that no widespread human infection has yet occurred.
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