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| New Coronavirus HKU5-CoV-2 Discovered in China: Could It Spread to Humans? |
A New Virus Discovery in China Raises Concerns
Scientists from the University of Washington in the United States have announced the discovery of a new type of coronavirus in China, named HKU5-CoV-2. This virus has shown the potential to mutate and jump between species—including potentially infecting humans.
The team focused their research on a lesser-known subgroup of coronaviruses called Merbecoviruses, which includes HKU5 and the more infamous MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus). One of the key findings was that a small change in the spike protein of HKU5 could allow it to attach to human ACE2 receptors—the same ones used by SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Virus Can Infect Both Respiratory and Digestive Systems
According to a study published in Nature Communications, HKU5-CoV-2 is capable of infecting and replicating in both the respiratory tract and the digestive system. This dual capability is concerning because it suggests the virus could affect multiple organ systems in the human body if it ever becomes fully transmissible to humans.
What Are Merbecoviruses, Exactly?
Merbecoviruses are a subfamily of coronaviruses that were first recognized for their role in the MERS outbreak. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), since 2012, MERS has spread to 27 countries and resulted in 858 deaths from confirmed cases. MERS is known to spread from camels to humans.
The HKU5 virus itself isn’t brand new. It was first identified by scientists in China earlier this year in samples taken from bats. However, what’s new—and potentially dangerous—is this mutated version: HKU5-CoV-2, which may be just a small mutation away from becoming capable of infecting people.
Not As Infectious as SARS-CoV-2—Yet
While this all may sound scary, researchers are urging the public not to panic. HKU5-CoV-2 doesn't currently have the same ease of entry into human cells as SARS-CoV-2. In simpler terms: it's not yet built to infect humans easily.
Professor Michael Letko, a virologist and co-lead of the study, stated that viruses in the HKU5 group have been largely understudied. But his team's research shows they are "only one step away" from being able to infect human cells.
"Our study shows these viruses can infect cells, and that they’re just a small mutation away from spreading to people," Letko said.
Final Take: Stay Informed, Not Panicked
While HKU5-CoV-2 does pose a potential threat, there's currently no solid evidence that it has infected humans. That means there’s no immediate reason to panic. Still, close monitoring of new animal-borne viruses is crucial to avoid another global health crisis like COVID-19.
It's essential to stay informed through accurate sources and scientific updates. Staying alert but not alarmed is the most effective approach when dealing with emerging virus threats.
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