Scientists Identify New Coronavirus in Bats Capable of Infecting Humans

The virus, discovered by researchers in Wuhan, can bind to human cells but has not been detected in humans or shown the ability to spread between them.

Researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology identified a new bat coronavirus, named HKU5-CoV-2, which can bind to the human ACE2 receptor to infect cells.
The virus shares similarities with MERS, another coronavirus, but is distinct from SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.
While HKU5-CoV-2 can infect human cells in lab settings, no cases have been reported in humans, and factors limiting its ability to spread among humans were identified.
The discovery has renewed attention on the ongoing risk of zoonotic diseases and the importance of monitoring emerging viruses to prevent future pandemics.
The CDC has stated there is currently no evidence to suggest the virus poses a public health concern but will continue to monitor developments.