Another shocking report has emerged, suggesting the presence of a Covid-like virus in China’s Wuhan lab. Researchers at Wuhan Institute of Virology have identified a new coronavirus in bats that uses the same entry pathway into cells as the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for Covid-19. However, the virus has not been found in humans and was only detected in a laboratory. News of the discovery boosted the stock prices of some vaccine manufacturers on Friday.

About The New Virus- HKU5-CoV-2

The virus, identified as HKU5-CoV-2, belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, which includes the Mers virus. According to the news agency Reuters, this newly isolated strain can bind to the ACE2 receptor in human cells, same pathway used by the Covid-19 virus.

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the new virus was found by a team of virologists led by Shi Zhengli, the famed scientist known as “Batwoman” for her lifetime work in coronaviruses, especially at the Wuhan Institute, which has been at the centre of the theory suggesting COVID-19 came from a lab leak – something China has denied repeatedly.

How Does The Virus Spread?

HKU5-CoV-2 shares similarities with Covid-19 as well as the virus that causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) as they all emerge from the HKU5 coronavirus. Researchers explained that, similar to SARS-CoV-2, the new virus also possesses a furin cleavage site—a key feature that enables it to enter human cells through the ACE2 receptor protein found on cell surfaces.

The newly discovered virus, HKU5-CoV-2, has been found in bats. While it has the potential to infect humans, researchers emphasize that more studies are needed to understand how it might spread from animals to people.

What Are The Symptoms Of The Virus?

Symptoms that are shared by the HKU5 category of coronavirus and MERS are fever, cough, fatigue, congestion, sneezing, chills, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, diarrhea and vomiting.

Precautions

Although the virus has not yet been proven to infect humans, experts recommend taking precautions similar to those for COVID-19, including wearing masks and testing for any underlying health conditions or comorbidities.