China Virus: Pandemic Risk Rises
- A novel coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, identified in China, has scientists on alert due to its potential to trigger a new pandemic.
- The new virus shares similarities with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), a dangerous virus with a high fatality rate.
- Washington State University researchers conducted lab tests to analyze how the virus interacts with human cells.
New Coronavirus in China Sparks Pandemic Risk Concerns
A novel coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, identified in China, has scientists on alert due to its potential to trigger a new pandemic. The virus, found in bats, requires only a minor mutation to gain the ability to infect humans, experts warn.
The new virus shares similarities with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), a dangerous virus with a high fatality rate. The Wuhan lab, previously under scrutiny for a possible COVID-19 leak, first documented HKU5-CoV-2.
Washington State University researchers conducted lab tests to analyze how the virus interacts with human cells.
Virologist Michael Letko, co-leader of the study, said the research highlights how HKU5 viruses infect cells. He added that these viruses might be “only a small step away from being able to spill over into humans.”
Experiments showed that a slight alteration in the virus’s spike protein could enable it to attach to human ACE2 cells, found in the nose, mouth, and throat.
Currently, HKU5-CoV-2 spreads only among bats. However, experts are concerned that China’s unregulated wildlife trade could accelerate its mutation into a form easily transmissible to humans.
Letko noted the similarity between MERS and the new coronavirus is a cause for concern. “While there’s no evidence they’ve crossed into people yet, the potential is there and that makes them worth watching,” he said.
MERS, which emerged in 2012, has affected multiple countries, mainly in the Middle East. Symptoms typically appear about five days after exposure, but the incubation period can range from two to 14 days. Hospitalization usually occurs around four days after symptoms begin.
The World Health Institution (WHO) reports that from April 2012 to date, there have been 2,626 lab-confirmed cases of MERS globally, with 947 deaths, representing a case-fatality ratio of 36%. Saudi Arabia accounts for the majority of cases, with 2,217 cases and 866 deaths, a case-fatality ratio of 39%.
What’s next
Global health organizations are monitoring the HKU5-CoV-2 coronavirus and assessing the risk of human transmission. Further research will focus on understanding the virus’s mutation potential and developing strategies to prevent a potential outbreak.