Scientists warn HKU5-CoV-2, a new bat coronavirus in China, is just one mutation away from infecting humans and could spark another pandemic.
Discovery of a New Threat
A team of Chinese and American scientists has identified a new coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, in bats across southern and eastern China. The virus, closely related to the deadly MERS virus, was discovered by researchers from the Wuhan Institute of Virology and Washington State University, sparking global concern due to its potential to infect humans.
What Makes HKU5-CoV-2 Concerning
HKU5-CoV-2 belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, which includes MERS-CoV—a virus with a fatality rate of about 34 percent. Laboratory studies show that HKU5-CoV-2 can bind to the human ACE2 receptor, the same cellular gateway used by both SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV to infect human cells. Scientists warn that the virus is only a small mutation away from efficiently infecting humans, raising the specter of another zoonotic spillover.
Timeline and Location
The findings were published in February 2025, following months of surveillance and sampling of bat populations in China. The virus was first isolated from bats captured in Hong Kong, and its identification comes just four years after the COVID-19 pandemic, which also originated in China.
Why Scientists Are Alarmed
Researchers are particularly concerned because HKU5-CoV-2 has already demonstrated the ability to infect human cells in laboratory settings. A small change in its spike protein could allow it to bind more efficiently to human ACE2 receptors, potentially enabling direct transmission to people. The virus’s genetic similarity to MERS, a highly lethal pathogen, adds to the urgency.
How the Virus Could Spread
Currently, HKU5-CoV-2 is circulating only in bats, but experts caution that unregulated wildlife trade and close contact between animals and humans in China increase the risk of a spillover event. If the virus jumps to an intermediate animal host, such as mink or civets, it could acquire mutations that make human infection more likely.
Ongoing Research and Global Response
The research team used advanced gene-editing and cryo-electron microscopy to study how the virus interacts with human cells. While there are no known human cases yet, scientists emphasize the need for vigilance, continued monitoring, and global cooperation to prevent another pandemic. They urge that preparedness measures be put in place now, before any potential outbreak occurs.
“The discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 should be treated with urgency but not panic. We must invest in preparedness now to avoid global health crises later,” said Dr. Li Zhang, a leading virologist.
Conclusion
While HKU5-CoV-2 has not yet infected humans, its genetic profile and laboratory behavior suggest it could pose a significant threat if it mutates further. Public health experts stress the importance of surveillance, research, and international collaboration to mitigate the risk of another pandemic emerging from wildlife reservoirs.
For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.
