The discovery of a new virus in China has sparked concern among scientists over the possibility of a new pandemic similar to COVID-19. This virus, named “HKU5-CoV-2,” belongs to the coronavirus family and primarily infects bats. However, it exhibits characteristics that could facilitate its transmission to humans.

According to the South China Morning Post, this virus is similar to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. It targets the same human receptors, increasing the risk of human transmission and potential spread.

Laboratory research indicates that HKU5-CoV-2 can infect various species and has the potential for human-to-human transmission, making it a potential public health threat. The study was led by Zhengli Shi, a renowned virologist known as "Bat Woman" for her extensive research on bat-related viruses. A former researcher at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, she was previously involved in studies on SARS-CoV-2, which led to the global pandemic.

A recent study published in the scientific journal Cell highlights that this virus represents a distinct strain circulating among bats, calling for caution due to its potential risks. The research team, composed of scientists from the Guangzhou Academy of Sciences, Wuhan University, and the Wuhan Institute of Virology, demonstrated that the virus could infect human cells, as well as laboratory-grown lung and intestinal tissues.

Commenting on the discovery, Marc Siegel, professor of clinical medicine and medical analyst for Fox News, emphasized that bats are natural reservoirs for coronaviruses, increasing the likelihood of new strains emerging. He noted that HKU5-CoV-2 shares similarities with MERS-CoV, which caused a limited outbreak in 2012. However, he reassured that the threat level remains low for now, as the virus appears to be significantly weaker than SARS-CoV-2, reducing the likelihood of a global health crisis in the short term.