A newly identified coronavirus found in bats in China has raised concern among scientists because of its potential ability to infect humans.
Researchers detected a virus known as HKU5-CoV-2 during routine monitoring of bat populations. The work focused on identifying animal viruses that could pose future risks to people.
Laboratory tests suggest the virus can enter human cells in a similar way to the virus that caused Covid-19. Scientists say this means there is a possibility it could pass from animals to humans, either directly or through another animal species.
The virus is closely related to the same family of coronaviruses as MERS, a rare but serious respiratory illness that has spread from animals to humans in the past. Although MERS cases are uncommon, its severity has made researchers cautious about related viruses.
The study, led by scientists at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, notes that similar viruses have previously crossed between bats and other animals. This pattern increases concern about future spillover events.
Researchers stress there is no evidence the virus is currently spreading among humans. They say further research is needed to understand whether it could pose a real threat and how such risks can be reduced.