New Bat Coronavirus Discovered in China

Scientists in China have discovered a new bat coronavirus similar to the one that caused the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus, HKU5-CoV-2, belongs to the same group as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and has shown the ability to bind to human cells.

Researchers say the virus was found in bat populations and raises questions about whether it could spread to humans. However, health experts caution against overreacting, emphasizing that more research is needed to determine its actual risk.

Discovery raises scientific interest

The virus was identified by a research team led by Shi Zhengli, a scientist at the Wuhan Institute of Virology known for her extensive work on bat coronaviruses. Shi, sometimes referred to as “Batwoman” due to her expertise, has been a key figure in coronavirus research.

Scientists discovered that HKU5-CoV-2 can attach to ACE2, a protein found on human cells. This characteristic is similar to SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19, as well as NL63, a common cold virus.

Scientists at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China have identified a new coronavirus in bats, HKU5-CoV-2, that uses the same entry mechanism as the virus that causes Covid-19.

Researchers suggested that the lab discovery of the bat virus, which has not yet been found in… pic.twitter.com/GEwCD85uib

— BFM News (@NewsBFM) February 24, 2025

A study noted that coronaviruses related to MERS have the potential to jump from animals to humans. Lab tests using human cell cultures and mini-organ models confirmed that HKU5-CoV-2 can infect human cells under experimental conditions.

Experts urge caution, not panic

While the discovery has sparked concerns about another potential outbreak, experts stress that the risk to humans remains low.

Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Minnesota, called the reaction “overblown.” He noted that widespread exposure to SARS-like viruses following the COVID-19 pandemic may provide some level of immunity, reducing the chances of a large-scale outbreak.

Wuhan Lab Finds New Bat Virus—What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

Researchers at the same Wuhan lab accused of leaking COVID-19 have now discovered a new bat coronavirus eerily similar to the one that sparked the 2020 pandemic. Dubbed HKU5-CoV-2, this virus can latch onto… pic.twitter.com/S754NwseD5

— Kristy Tallman (@KristyTallman) February 23, 2025

The study itself also downplayed the danger. Researchers reported that HKU5-CoV-2 binds to human cells far less effectively than SARS-CoV-2, meaning it is less likely to spread widely in human populations. “Risk of emergence in human populations should not be exaggerated,” the study stated.

Coronaviruses in nature

Thousands of coronaviruses exist in the wild, but only a handful can infect humans. While scientists continue to monitor new strains for potential health threats, most do not pose a serious risk.

The COVID-19 pandemic showed how quickly a coronavirus can spread and cause global disruption. Vaccines, antiviral treatments, and public health measures played a crucial role in controlling the crisis.

Lessons learned from COVID-19 – such as early detection, rapid response, and global cooperation – will be essential in preventing future pandemics.

Scientists emphasize that continued research on emerging viruses like HKU5-CoV-2 could help prepare for and possibly prevent the next major outbreak.