Chinese virologists have discovered a new bat coronavirus, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reports. It is dangerous to humans and can infect them in the same way as COVID-19.
The detected virus is a new lineage of the HKU5 coronavirus. It was discovered in Hong Kong in a Japanese bat. Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences tested the discovery in a Guangzhou laboratory. They were assisted by specialists from Wuhan University and the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
Scientists have warned that the virus easily infects human cells. There is a huge risk of its spread to humans. This includes both direct transmission and intermediate hosts.
The virus was named HKU5-CoV-2. Researchers added that there is no reason to panic yet, but further research is still ahead.
Previously, virologists warned that a new wave of coronavirus could occur in the world in the near future. At the same time, those patients who have cellular immunity to it are protected from it. We are talking about 30-50% of people. They will be protected for several decades. The future of the rest is "still unclear," the experts said.
