A new bat coronavirus has been discovered in China, and it could potentially spread to humans, similar to how COVID-19 began. The virus, named HKU5-CoV-2, was found by researchers led by Shi Zhengli, a scientist known for studying coronaviruses in bats. This virus shares similarities with SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, because it can infect human cells in the same way.

HKU5-CoV-2 is part of a group of coronaviruses linked to MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), and it can attach to human ACE2 cells, like SARS-CoV-2. In lab tests, the virus was able to infect human cells and mini-organ models. While the research suggests that this virus could pose a risk of spreading to humans, it has not yet been confirmed if it will cause illness in people.

Although the discovery of this new virus has raised concerns, experts like Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease specialist, believe the potential for another pandemic is low. He explained that since there is already some immunity in people from previous similar viruses, the risk may not be as high as it was in 2019.

However, scientists caution that the virus could still pose a risk in the future, so it’s important to monitor its development.