Chinese scientists have identified a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, capable of infecting humans, raising fresh concerns about potential future outbreaks. In a study led by Shi Zhengli, scientists say this bat coronavirus has a ‘high’ risk of spillover to humans.

After Covid-19 and HMPV, a new bat coronavirus discovered in China has sparked concerns among health officials and has triggered another pandemic fear. The newly discovered virus, however, is yet to be detected in humans.

The study found that HKU5-CoV-2 contains a furin cleavage site, a feature that enhances viral entry into cells via the ACE2 receptor. In laboratory experiments, the virus was able to infect human cells with high ACE2 levels, including models of human intestines and airways.