Four years after the first case of the deadly COVID-19 virus was reported from China’s Wuhan city, the world is once again on the verge of witnessing another pandemic outbreak. According to the report, experts have issued a high alert after Chinese scientists revealed that they have detected another highly infectious COVID-19 variant — HKU5-CoV-2 in bats — capable of evading the human immunity system. With memories of the devastating SARS-CoV-2 pandemic still fresh, the discovery of this new and highly lethal variant of coronavirus poses threats to another possible pandemic outbreak globally.

In a study published in the journal Cell, scientists stated that the virus, identified as HKU5-CoV-2, belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, which includes the Mers virus. This newly detected COVID strain can easily bind to the ACE2 receptor in human cells, the same pathway used by the COVID-19 virus to enter the respiratory system and lead to severe pneumonia symptoms, including breathing trouble, persistent cough, etc.

What Is HKU5-CoV-2 COVID Variant?

HKU5-CoV-2 is a newly detected coronavirus variant closely linked to bat coronaviruses. Scientists have identified its genetic similarities to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary concern lies in the variant’s potential to infect human cells, though no human cases have been reported so far. According to researchers, HKU5-CoV-2 could pose significant risks if it adapts to human hosts, especially given its spike protein mutations that may help it evade immune responses.

“The main reason for global concern is the possibility of human transmission. While no human infections have been confirmed, the virus’s ability to infect laboratory-cultured human cells is alarming. Moreover, the HKU5-CoV-2 variant possesses mutations that might allow it to partially evade the immune system. This raises fears about the effectiveness of existing COVID-19 vaccines and the potential need for updated formulations,” experts told media.

Thailand Health Officials Respond to Newly Detected HK5-CoV-2 COVID-19 Variant

The detection of HKU5-CoV-2 in bats has once again left healthcare workers in a worrisome situation. Responding to the news about the detection of HKU5-CoV-2 in bats in China, Thailand’s disease surveillance network — which comprises — the Department of Disease Control, Department of Medical Sciences, and university researchers, said that their specialized team is closely monitoring the variant and remains vigilant of any potential outbreak. Officials also stressed that HKU5-CoV-2 is a variant within an existing viral family rather than a new strain or mutation.